SOLENOSTOMIDAE Solenostomus paradoxus, 7.9 cm SL (photo by Seishi Kimura) Solenostomus paradoxus (photo by Mark Strickland) Solenostomus paradoxus (Pallas, 1770) Harlequin Ghost Pipefish D V + 17-22; A 17-22; P1 24; P2 I, 6. Body elongate and compressed; snout elongate and tubular; numerous skin flaps on head, body and fins. Total number of body plates 31-35. Color: variable in color from white to semitransparent to black with intricate pattern of red, orange, or yellow stripes and spots. Size: maximum length about 12 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Marshall Islands and New Caledonia, north to southern Japan, south to Australia. Remarks: usually settles along reef edges in current-prone areas. Uncommon species found solitary or paired, among branches of gorgonians, floating weeds, or crinoids. Feeds mostly on mysids but also targets small benthic shrimps.