Hippocampus debelius Gomon & Kuiter, 2009
Softcoral seahorse
photo by van Beeck, D.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  2.37 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal soft rays: 4-4. This species is distinguished by the following characters: very small (height 1.92 cm, 2.37 cm SL); trunk rings 10; tail rings 28; well ossified inferior and ventral trunk ridges; D 14; pectoral fin rays 10-11; anal fin rays 4; in males, brooding area posterior to anal fin; snout medium length with a bulbous tip; coronet low and angular; gill opening separate, midway between pectoral fin base and dorsal midline; head, trunk and tail prominent, long and slender spines; no filaments nor cirrhi. Colouration: white background, mostly obscured by numerous close-set, brown lengthwise stripes or striations; the tips of many of the spines dark brown to black; anterior trunk spines also with dark band centrally (Ref. 80667).
Biology:  This species occurs at moderate depths. Some corals with which this species associates with also occur in very shallow shaded areas such as below jetties. It may eventually be found inshore (Ref. 80667).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 27 November 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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