Pygmy thorny seahorse
📖 Overview
Pygmy thorny seahorse (Hippocampus pusillus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Syngnathidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. It occurs at depths between 35 and 228 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Anal soft rays: 12 - 13. This pygmy spiny seahorse is distinguished by the following characters: dorsal fin rays 15; pectoral fin rays 12-13; trunk rings 13; tail rings 34; subdorsal spines 3/0,1,0; moderately large nose spine, its height about equal to or slightly smaller than pupil; above the eyes, the double spine is moderately long, longer than pupil diameter; lateral head spine double and large; raised coronet with 6 groups of 1-6 spines each; restricted gill openings, not reaching to neck ridge; shoulder rings confluent over the neck ridge forming a continuous collar; upper shoulder ring spine opposite 9th-11th pectoral fin rays; snout length is approximately 45-47% of head length .: other.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pygmy thorny seahorse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 35 - 228 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Pygmy thorny seahorse.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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