Hippocampus breviceps Peters, 1869

Species Nomenclature and Size

Hippocampus breviceps Peters, 1869 is typically around 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) long.

Body and Snout Morphology

It has a small, slender body, a short snout, and a raised coronet.

Cutaneous Appendages

Individuals of this species often have fleshy tendrils growing on the head and back.

General Coloration

Its colouration usually ranges from drab grey to bright yellow-orange, with small black spots and ringed white ocelli covering the trunk and tail.

Ventral Tail Markings

The ventral side of the tail features pale bars.

Primary Habitat

This seahorse species inhabits sheltered coastal reefs that are associated with macroalgal beds and seagrasses.

Secondary Habitats and Depth Range

Individuals have also been recorded on floating macroalgae, rock reefs, jetty habitats, and sponge reefs at depths below 15 metres (49 feet), though it occurs more commonly at depths around 5 metres.

Breeding Cycle and Fecundity

In summer, H. breviceps breeds on an approximately monthly cycle, producing 50 to 100 young per brood.

Reproductive Mechanism

Females of the species deposit eggs into the male's brood pouch, where the eggs are fertilized and protected until the male gives birth to live young.