Took a picture yesterday - I'm not sure what this is?

[ryanwatson]

Just got back form diving in Aqaba yesterday and I found this little guy hanging out with a pipe fish. ( picture attached ) The dive guide said it was a sea horse, but this doesn't look like any kind of sea horse I've seen.

Can anyone confirm or add further detail?

 

[bmbeaty]

Definitely a pipefish, which is related to seahorses. Not sure on the species without a better pic.

 

[Searcaigh]

Confirmed that it is a pipefish

 

[cephalopod2]

I believe ryanwatson is asking about the sand-coloured animal which nearly bisects the dark brown pipe fish, which is a sea moth. From the photo it's hard to tell the species but these are often referred to as "Pegasus sea moths".

The Pegasidae family are part of the order Gasterosteiformes which includes sea horses, so you can understand sea moths as seahorse relatives.

If you see one again, have a look for a second sea moth nearby - they are typically seen in pairs.

Best,
NatashaS

 

[Searcaigh]

Well spotted Natasha, I didn't see that sea moth at all until I zoomed in, maybe I need you to guide me on my next Lembeh trip

 

[Dan]

I usually see Pegasus at night dive. Like NatashaS says, they usually come in pair.