Hippocampus hippocampus

Seahorse

  • Hippocampe à museau court
  • Langschauziges Seepferdchen
  • Short snouted seahorse
  • Caballito de mar
  • Cavallucio marino

Distribution

  • The tropical Atlantic
  • The temperate Atlantic
  • The Mediterranean

Environment and movement of the diurnal species

  • The species is generally observed in seagrass among algae or phanerogams.
  • The species is generally motionless in its environment
  • The species is generally found on or close to the seafloor.
  • The species can be found between 0 and 60 Meters.
  • Rare species.
  • Hides among algae.

General behaviour of the species

  • Species generally living in a couple
  • Hides among algae.
  • The animal is rather indifferent to the diver, though it remains on its guard

General characteristics of the species

  • Maximum size : 15 cm
  • The animal feeds on plankton or small organisms.
  • Diet : Zooplankton
  • The animal can show variable colouring
  • The animal changes colour like a chameleon

Relationship with humans

  • The species can be eaten but is of no particular culinary interest
  • The species is exploited in the following sector(s) :
    • - Aquarium enthusiasts.
    • Used in the clothing, footwear or crafts industries for the manufacture of articles (jewellery, etc.)
  • The species is classified asVulnerable
The species can be confused with other species of similar appearance!