Harlequin Pipefish

The Harlequin Pipefish has a long, snake-like body and a short snout. It is marked with alternating bands of yellow and brown, which have sharp, straight edges. Its dorsal fin is small and translucent.

This Pipefish can be found alone on the reef, in crevices, on sponges, and among coral rubble. It feeds on small crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates, which it sucks in through its tube-like snout. Like other Pipefishes, the male is responsible for carrying and nurturing the eggs. The Harlequin Pipefish was previously grouped with the Banded Pipefish. It differs by having bold yellow and brown bands. Despite these differences, both species share identical DNA sequences, and their classification as distinct species remains unresolved.