Fin's Fish Guide
The Denise's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus denise) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 2 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Micronesia and others
Description
Denise's pygmy seahorse is one of the smallest seahorses (Syngnathidae) from the western Pacific. The species stays about 2 cm long and lives exclusively on gorgonian fan corals, whose colour and knobbly texture it mimics perfectly. With its tubular snout it sucks up minute zooplankton. As in other seahorses the male carries and broods the eggs in a pouch. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Denise's pygmy seahorse?
The Denise's pygmy seahorse has an irregular in shape body and is mainly red-orange.
Where does the Denise's pygmy seahorse live?
The Denise's pygmy seahorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Solomon Is., Indonesia, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Micronesia and others
How big does the Denise's pygmy seahorse get?
The Denise's pygmy seahorse grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.
Is the Denise's pygmy seahorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Denise's pygmy 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.
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 Denise's pygmy seahorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Denise's pygmy seahorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.