Pacific seahorse
📖 Overview
Nocturnal. Occur in offshore waters, mostly captured by dredging at 10 m or deeper. Occasionally caught at surface. Are often camouflaged within the branches of gorgonians and black coral trees where they are seen to curl their tail around the branches . Have been found in the stomachs of Pacific yellowfin tuna and bluefin tuna . Ovoviviparous . The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 21. : other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific seahorse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch . Gestation period is 14-15 days depending on temperature .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 60 m , usually 3 - 18 m . Subtropical; 37°N - 22°S, 123°W - 70°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pacific seahorse is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 164 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific seahorse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 57 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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