Hippocampus abdominalis

(Lesson, 1827)

Vernacular names
English : Pot-bellied seahorse
French : Hippocampe à gros ventre

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Syngnathiformes
Family : Syngnathidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Large species with conspicuous very round belly and elongated horn-like skin appendages on top of head and above eyes. Coloration yellow to greenish with variable black spotting.

Range and habitat
Indo-Pacific, only around southern and southeastern Australia, and New Zealand. Found in large rock pools, amongst sea weed, to 104 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is legally protected and catching for the trade is minimal as it is well bred under human care. Locally threatened with habitat loss and pollution.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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