Home · Syngnathidae · Manyspine seahorse
Manyspine seahorse (Hippocampus multispinus) — Syngnathidae

Manyspine seahorse

Hippocampus multispinus
Family: Syngnathidae

The Manyspine seahorse (Hippocampus multispinus) is a fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Manyspine seahorse is a seahorse (Syngnathidae) from shallow seagrass, weed and reef water of the waters around northern Australia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an upright, armoured body with a horse-like head, a tubular snout and a prehensile tail with which it holds onto seagrass and coral. As a slow dweller it sucks up minute crustaceans. Remarkably the male broods the eggs in a pouch on the belly. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Manyspine seahorse?

The Manyspine seahorse is mainly brown.

Where does the Manyspine seahorse live?

The Manyspine seahorse is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Manyspine seahorse get?

The Manyspine seahorse grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Manyspine seahorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Manyspine seahorse is harmless to humans.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Veeldoorn-zeepaardje sourced
English name
Manyspine seahorse sourced
Scientific name
Hippocampus multispinus
Family
Syngnathidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
8 inferred
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hippocampus

More from the family Syngnathidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →