Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Syngnathiformes (Pipefishes and seahorses) >
Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses) > Hippocampinae
Etymology: Hippocampus: Greek, ippos = horse + Greek,kampe = curvature (Ref. 45335). More on author: Jordan.
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 6 - 12 m (Ref. 90102). Tropical; 10°N - 5°N
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm 8.0  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 15.0 cm OT male/unsexed; (Ref. 48635)
Western Central Pacific: southern Sulu Sea. International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies.
Unlike most seahorses, this species is often found clinging to hard coral and doesn't seem to be worried about stingers (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Popular spiny seahorse in aquarium trade; often sold bleached for traditional Chinese medicine. OT=height length.
Lourie, S.A., A.C.J. Vincent and H.J. Hall, 1999. Seahorses: an identification guide to the world's species and their conservation. Project Seahorse, London. 214 p.
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 90363)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: commercial
More information
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Estimates of some properties based on empirical models
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82805): PD
50 = 0.5000 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.00565 (-0.21493 - 0.22622), b=2.95 (2.83 - 3.06), based on LWR estimates for this family-BS (Ref.
93245).
Trophic Level (Ref.
69278): 3.4 ±0.5 se; Based on size and trophs of closest relatives
Resilience (Ref.
69278): High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm=0.3-0.4).
Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): Low vulnerability (12 of 100) .