Fin's Fish Guide
The West African seahorse (Hippocampus algiricus) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa and off the Canary Islands, among seagrass, seaweeds and biofilm of shallow coastal water.
Description
The West African seahorse is a seahorse of the family Syngnathidae reaching about 19 cm. The upright-swimming body has a horse-like head, a tube-shaped snout and a prehensile tail without a caudal fin, with which it holds onto seagrass and weeds; the body is encased in bony rings instead of scales. It sucks small zooplankton and shrimp-like crustaceans in through its snout. The species lives among seagrass, weeds and growth of shallow coastal water along the West African coast and around the Canary Islands. As in other seahorses the male broods the eggs in a pouch and 'gives birth' to live young. Through fishing for traditional medicine and the souvenir trade the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) and is listed on CITES Appendix II.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the West African seahorse?
The West African seahorse has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Seahorse with a horse-like head, a tubular snout and a prehensile tail; the male broods the eggs in a pouch.
Where does the West African seahorse live?
The West African seahorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa and off the Canary Islands, among seagrass, seaweeds and biofilm of shallow coastal water.
How big does the West African seahorse get?
The West African seahorse grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the West African seahorse dangerous to humans?
No, the West African seahorse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the West African seahorse edible?
The West African seahorse is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Hippocampus
More from the family Syngnathidae
Want the complete picture on the West African seahorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African seahorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.