Fin's Fish Guide
The Crowned seahorse (Hippocampus coronatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The crowned seahorse is a small seahorse from the northwest Pacific, off Japan and South Korea. It grows to about 13 cm and has the typical seahorse form with an upright body, a tubular snout and a prehensile tail; distinctive is its tall, crown-like head crest. It lives among Sargassum weed in shallow coastal water to about 20 metres depth and sucks up small crustaceans with its snout. The species lives in monogamous pairs and the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch. Owing to international trade it is covered by CITES Appendix II; owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists it as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Crowned seahorse?
The Crowned seahorse has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Tall crown-like head crest; prehensile tail; the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch
Where does the Crowned seahorse live?
The Crowned seahorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Crowned seahorse get?
The Crowned seahorse grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Crowned seahorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Crowned seahorse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Crowned seahorse edible?
The Crowned seahorse is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hippocampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the Crowned seahorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Crowned seahorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.