About Hippocampus histrix Kaup, 1856
Taxonomy and Size
The spiny seahorse, scientifically named Hippocampus histrix Kaup, 1856, is a small fish that reaches a maximum length of 15–17 cm.
Body Shape and General Spination
It has a slender, elongated body completely covered in thorns. The thorns are sharp with dark tips, and are uniformly sized on its prehensile tail.
Trunk and Coronet Spines
Its trunk bears long thorns that extend up to the coronet, which holds 4–5 thorns.
Head Spination
Its head also has numerous spines, especially on the forehead, cheek bases, nose, and above the eyes.
Snout Morphology
The snout is very long and tapered.
General Body Coloration
Body coloration is highly variable to match the seahorse’s surroundings, ranging from grey to cream, bright yellow, green, red, and even brownish. Coloring can be plain, or display different patterns on the sides and/or back.
Snout Markings
The snout is typically marked with one or more thin white stripes.
General Distribution
This species is relatively rare, but widespread across the Indo-Pacific.
Australian Distribution
In Australia, it has been recorded from south of Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, and Port Stephens in New South Wales.
Additional Range Locations
It is also found in Bali (Indonesia), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Japan.
Depth Range
The spiny seahorse prefers relatively deep water between 10 and 95 m, and is most commonly found at depths below 15 m.
Habitat Substrates
It occurs across a range of substrates including sponges, weedy rocky reefs, and soft corals, but is found mainly on seagrass beds.
