Hippocampus subelongatus Castelnau, 1873

Scientific Classification and Common Names

The tiger snout seahorse (Hippocampus subelongatus), also called the West Australian seahorse, is a fish species belonging to the family Syngnathidae.

Geographic Range

It is endemic to south-western Australia, found between the Abrolhos Islands and Rockingham.

Habitat Types

Its natural habitats include the edges of rocky areas, muddy bottoms, and murky water with high sediment loads, around jetty pilings and moorings.

Microhabitat Associations

It is often found near sponges or sea squirts, and frequently attaches itself to man-made objects.

Seasonal Movement Pattern

This species moves to deeper water during winter.

Breeding System

Hippocampus subelongatus forms strictly monogamous breeding pairs.

Mated Population Demographics

The number of mated females is higher than the number of unmated females, while the number of mated and unmated males is roughly equal.

Sexual Selection Mechanism

This pattern directly results from substantial sexual selection on females, as males prefer larger females when mating.