Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese seahorse (Hippocampus mohnikei) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The Japanese seahorse is a small seahorse from coastal and estuarine water of East Asia, around Japan, Korea and China. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an upright, bony-ringed body, a horse-like head and a prehensile tail with which it clings to seagrass and weed. With its tubular snout it sucks up minute crustaceans. Remarkably, the male broods the eggs in a pouch. Owing to seagrass loss the species is under pressure. The IUCN assesses it as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese seahorse?
The Japanese seahorse has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Prehensile tail and a tube-shaped snout; the male broods eggs in a pouch
Where does the Japanese seahorse live?
The Japanese seahorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia
How big does the Japanese seahorse get?
The Japanese seahorse grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Japanese seahorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese 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 Japanese seahorse edible?
The Japanese 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 Japanese seahorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese seahorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.