Ornate ghost pipefish

Photo: pincetczy · CC BY-NC

Among the most photogenic macro subjects in Philippine waters, ornate ghost pipefish hover head-down among feather star arms at depths between 10 and 20 m, mimicking the crinoid's coloration and texture with extraordinary precision. Pairs are frequently found together — the female carries eggs in a brood pouch formed by her fused pelvic fins. Hilutungan's healthy crinoid populations provide consistent habitat; guides know the individual feather stars where pairs are reliably found. A must-photograph subject for underwater macro photographers visiting Mactan.