{"product_id":"ornate-pipefish-solenostomus-paradoxus","title":"Ornate Pipefish - Solenostomus paradoxus","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrnate Pipefish (\u003cem\u003eSolenostomus paradoxus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ornate Pipefish is an extraordinary and highly specialised marine fish admired for its elaborate body shape, delicate appendages and exceptional camouflage. Often resembling drifting algae, soft coral or feathered reef growth, it relies on slow, controlled movement to blend into its surroundings. This is a demanding species best suited to experienced marine aquarists with mature, peaceful systems and access to suitably small foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrnate Pipefish, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Ghost Pipefish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolenostomus paradoxus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 10–12 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ornate Pipefish occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is typically associated with coral-rich reefs, sheltered lagoons and areas containing crinoids, soft corals and other complex reef growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts highly specialised shape and colouration allow it to remain exceptionally well camouflaged while waiting for small planktonic prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ornate Pipefish is extremely peaceful and should only be housed with calm, non-aggressive tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFast or boisterous fish may intimidate it or prevent it from obtaining sufficient food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarnivore \/ Micro-Predator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ornate Pipefish naturally feeds on tiny crustaceans and other small planktonic organisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer suitable foods such as copepods, enriched Artemia, small mysis and other appropriately sized live or frozen marine foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral small feedings throughout the day are recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens should be monitored very closely to ensure they are actively feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 150 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium maturity, food availability and peaceful surroundings are more important than tank volume alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ornate Pipefish is a slow and deliberate swimmer that often remains close to reef structure while using its unusual body shape to blend into the environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may hover vertically, horizontally or at unusual angles while mimicking nearby coral or plant-like growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is not a strong swimmer and should not be exposed to excessively powerful direct flow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ornate Pipefish is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts main aquarium requirements relate to specialised feeding and avoiding competition from aggressive or fast-moving fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a specialist marine species best suited to experienced aquarists.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature aquarium with abundant microfauna and access to suitably small foods throughout the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGentle to moderate water movement is preferable, with sheltered areas where the fish can rest without fighting strong currents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive fish, large wrasses, hawkfish and fast-feeding species that may intimidate or outcompete it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew specimens should be observed carefully to ensure they maintain body condition and accept available foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable water chemistry and excellent water quality are essential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA mature reef environment with complex rockwork and natural cover will help encourage normal behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary significantly depending on season, collection area and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":68058320339117,"sku":"AG-105210","price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":68058320371885,"sku":"AG-105211","price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":68058320404653,"sku":"AG-105212","price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/OrnatePipefish-Solenostomusparadoxus.jpg?v=1793976158","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/ornate-pipefish-solenostomus-paradoxus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}