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🌊 Marine Vulnerable 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Tiger tail seahorse

Hippocampus comes Cantor, 1849
Max Length
-
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
0–32 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Length type refers to Height (= from top of coronet to the tip of straightened tail). This species is mainly found in pairs on coral reefs, sponge gardens, kelp, and floating Sargassum. Nocturnal, site faithful. Feeds on zooplankton . Ovoviviparous . The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail . Life span probably more than 2-3 years. Monogamous and always in home-ranging pairs, that is they do not defend an exclusive territory . Used for traditional Chinese medicine .

Scientific Name
Hippocampus comes
Authority
Cantor, 1849
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Other
IUCN Status
VU
Depth Range
0–32 m
Latitude
10°S – 15°N
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19. : other.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Tiger tail seahorse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

Size at Maturity
8.1cm TL

Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and genetic . Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch . Gestation period 2-3 weeks (but varies with water temperature) .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 32 m . Tropical; 15°N - 10°S, 91°E - 128°E West Pacific: India (Andaman Islands), Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4
🌙 Nocturnal
Food Items

zooplankton (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00447 × L3 (TL)
Dorsal Rays
18

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Vulnerable
Assessment Date
2013

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Other
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
15°N – 10°S
Described By
Cantor, 1849

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Hippocampus Comes is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 17.8 g
Omega-3 (total) 108 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Tiger tail seahorse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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