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Longspine seahorse (Hippocampus histrix) — Syngnathidae

Longspine seahorse

Hippocampus histrix
Family: Syngnathidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Longspine seahorse (Hippocampus histrix) is a saltwater fish of the family Syngnathidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–82.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The thorny seahorse is a seahorse (Syngnathidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is recognised by the sharp, thorn-like projections over its entire ring-armoured body and the long snout. With its prehensile tail it clings to weed, seagrass or coral on shallow sheltered reefs. With its tube-shaped snout it sucks up small zooplankton. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch. It is considered vulnerable through trade and habitat loss.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longspine seahorse?

The Longspine seahorse has an irregular in shape body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Longspine seahorse live?

The Longspine seahorse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Longspine seahorse get?

The Longspine seahorse grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Longspine seahorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Longspine seahorse is harmless to humans.

Is the Longspine seahorse edible?

The Longspine seahorse is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Doornig zeepaardje sourced
English name
Longspine seahorse verified
Scientific name
Hippocampus histrix
Family
Syngnathidae
Other names
Seahorse; Spiny seahorse; Spiny Seahorse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
82.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hippocampus

More from the family Syngnathidae

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