About Hippocampus comes Cantor, 1849
Etymology and Size
Hippocampus comes Cantor, 1849, commonly called the tiger tail seahorse, is a medium-sized seahorse that reaches a maximum total length of around 15 centimetres (5.9 in).
Base Coloration
The coloration of this species is variable. Adults are generally black or brown, with yellow saddle-shaped markings on the upper body and yellow stripes on the tail, which gives the species its common name.
Additional Markings
Thin white stripes may appear in a radiating pattern around the eyes, and mottled patterns can be found across the entire body.
Body Structure
Like all other seahorses, the tiger tail seahorse has bony plates arranged in rings throughout its body. This specific species has 11 trunk rings, and 33 to 37 tail rings.
Fin Structure
Its dorsal fin has 17 to 19 rays, while its pectoral fin has 16 to 19 rays.
Head Spines
Two spines extend from each cheek, and there is also a prominent spine on the nose.
Coronet Structure
The coronet, the crown-like spine structure on the head, is low and features five knobs.
