Flatface seahorse

📖 Overview

Adults inhabit shallow algae or weedy reef areas from the intertidal to about 20 m depth . Maximum length is based on a straight-line length measurement from upper surface (ignoring spines) of first trunk ring, to tip of tail . 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): 22 - 23; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 4 - 5. Anal fin rays divided at base; tail rings 36-38; subdorsal spines 4/0,0,1,1 or 5/0,0,1,1,1; nose ridge slightly raised, without a spine; spine above eyes moderately large, angled back and laterally outward; lateral head spine moderately large and recurved; coronet slightly raised, apex with 5 blunt diverging spines; upper shoulder-ring spine of small to moderate size, situated beside gill openings; central shoulder-ring spine of moderate size and directed laterally outward; superior trunk and tail ridges with broad thorn-like blunt spines, enlarged on some rings, at regular intervals; superior tail ridge with tubercle-like spines of moderate size, angled backward; trunk ridges followed by connecting tail ridges with spines and tubercles becoming gradually smaller posteriorly; lateral line with distinct pores, on trunk rings just above lateral ridge, continuing onto tail to 18th-23rd tail ring, each pore between raised papillae .: other.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Flatface seahorse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 20 m . Subtropical; 18°S - 26°S Indian Ocean: Western Australia.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Flatface seahorse.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute