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[Rhea Thomas]

The pygmy seahorse, also known as Hippocampus bargibanti is a seahorse of the family Syngnathidae. It is tiny, no larger than about 2.4 cm. There are two known color variations: grey with red tubercles (on gorgonian coral Muricella plectana), and yellow with orange tubercles (on gorgonian coral Muricella paraplectana).

[Rhea Thomas]

This species is known to occur only on gorgonian corals of the genus Muricella, and has evolved to resemble its host. The tubercles and truncated snout of this species match the color and shape of the polyps of the host gorgonian, while its body matches the gorgonian stem. The camouflage is so effective, the original specimens were discovered only after their host gorgonian had been collected and placed in an aquarium.

[Rhea Thomas]

The Leaf Scorpionfish is a small compressed scorpion fish, with a high long sail like dorsal fin that is often lifted up. It has a variably developed 'beard' of fine appendages around the mouth and algae and hydroids can grow on its skin. It is known to shed its skin periodically. The colouration of the Leaf Scorpionfish is variable, ranging from white, yellow, pink, red, brown and green.

[Rhea Thomas]

The Mandarinfish or Mandarin dragonet is a small, brightly-colored member of the dragonet family, which is popular in the saltwater aquarium trade. Mandarinfish are reef dwellers, preferring sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs. While they are slow-moving and fairly common within their range, they are not easily seen due to their bottom-feeding habit and their small size (reaching only about 6 cm). They feed primarily on small crustaceans and other invertebrates.