Robust Ghost Pipefish

The Robust Ghost Pipefish is the largest member of the ghost pipefish family Solenostomidae, reaching an impressive 6.7 inches in length. Its body is broader and more heavily built than its ornate relative, with a coloration that typically ranges from mottled green and brown to gray, perfectly matching the seagrass beds and algal-covered rubble where it lives. The pectoral and pelvic fins are noticeably large, often displaying blue or green tints that give it one of its alternate names, the Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish.

In the wild, Solenostomus cyanopterus is widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea to Japan and the Great Barrier Reef. It is most commonly found drifting head-down among seagrass beds, floating debris, and algae-covered surfaces, where its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage. Unlike the Ornate Ghost Pipefish, which mimics crinoids and gorgonians, the Robust Ghost Pipefish specializes in blending with plant-like structures. Pairs are commonly found together, drifting in close proximity.

As with all ghost pipefish, keeping the Robust Ghost Pipefish in captivity is an expert-level undertaking. Its larger size compared to other Solenostomus species means it requires a somewhat larger aquarium, but the fundamental challenges remain the same: an almost exclusive dependence on live micro-crustaceans, the inability to compete with any conventional aquarium fish for food, and a tendency toward short captive lifespans. A mature system with an exceptionally productive refugium is the minimum requirement. Providing seagrass or macroalgae for the fish to camouflage among adds enrichment and reduces stress.