Big-Belly Seahorse

Hippocampus abdominalis

Big-Belly Seahorse

One of the larger seahorses, the big belly seahorse anchors itself among seaweed in rock pools and reefs, holding still while it sucks up tiny crustaceans like copepods and amphipods. It is the male that carries the developing young, brooding the eggs in a pouch beneath his tail. Active mostly at night, it sometimes gathers in groups after dark.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Syngnathiformes › Syngnathidae › Hippocampus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 275182.

FAQ

How deep does the Big-Belly Seahorse live?
The Big-Belly Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) is typically found at 0–104 m.
Is the Big-Belly Seahorse dangerous to divers?
The Big-Belly Seahorse is harmless to divers.
How big does the Big-Belly Seahorse get?
The Big-Belly Seahorse grows to about 35 cm.