thorny seahorse
| Scientific name | Hippocampus histrix |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Kaup |
| Year of description | 1856 |
| IUCN category | VU |
| Family | Syngnathidae |
| Genus | Hippocampus |
Introduction
Hippocampus histrix, commonly known as thorny seahorse, is a salt water fish.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size7 cm
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Maximum size17 cm
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Average size7 cm
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Maximum size17 cm
How to recognize the thorny seahorse ?
The thorny seahorse measures between 7 and 17 cm. This fish is multicolore with a predominantly rouge, jaune, vert, marron and gris body.
Sexual dimorphism
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or alone
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The thorny seahorse is a fish living as a couple or alone naturally found in the vegetation. This species is carnivorous .
n general, this species does not care much about other animals crossing its path.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovovivipare
The thorny seahorse is a fish ovovivipare.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature24 - 28 °C
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Depth15 - 40 m
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EnvironmentActive pelagic
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FlowSlow
Biotope presentation
The thorny seahorse is most often found at a depth between 15m and 40m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Species of the same family
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Silvia Gomez
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Revision of the Australian Seahorses of the Genus Hippocampus (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) with Descriptions of Nine New Species - RUDIE H. KUITER - Western Australian Museum - 2001.
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners