The Short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The short-snouted seahorse is a seahorse of the family Syngnathidae reaching about 15 cm. Unlike most fish it swims upright, with the head at a right angle to the body, which is built of bony rings and ends in a prehensile gripping tail with which the fish holds onto seagrass or weeds. Characteristic, compared with the long-snouted seahorse, is the short snout. The species lives in seagrass beds and among weeds of shallow coastal water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. With its tube-shaped snout it sucks up very small zooplankton. As in all pipefishes the male carries the brood: the eggs mature in a brood pouch on his belly until the young hatch. Its status is regarded as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Short-snouted seahorse?
The Short-snouted seahorse has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Short-snouted seahorse live?
The Short-snouted seahorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds.
How big does the Short-snouted seahorse get?
The Short-snouted seahorse grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Short-snouted seahorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Short-snouted seahorse is harmless to humans.
Is the Short-snouted seahorse edible?
The Short-snouted seahorse is not usually eaten.
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Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Hippocampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
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