New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌊 Marine Data Deficient 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

West Australian seahorse

Hippocampus subelongatus Castelnau, 1873
Max Length
-
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
0–25 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
12.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Found on edge of rocky areas, muddy bottom and areas of high sediment load; jetty piles and moorings; often associated with sponges or sea squirts or attached to man-made objects; moves to deeper waters in winter. Ovoviviparous . The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail . This species manifested evidence of genetically monogamous character in seahorses . Site fidelity is observed during breeding season . Monogamous and always in home-ranging pairs, that is they do not defend an exclusive territory . Length type refers to height (= TL - head length) . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128812.

Scientific Name
Hippocampus subelongatus
Authority
Castelnau, 1873
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Other
IUCN Status
DD
Depth Range
0–25 m
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
12.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 20. : other; Cross section: angular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for West Australian seahorse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

Size at Maturity
13cm TL

Gestation period 2-3 weeks, depending on water temperature. This species manifested evidence of genetically monogamous character in seahorses . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and genetic . Site fidelity is observed during breeding season . Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; demersal; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 25 m . Tropical southwest Australia.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

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

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2016

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
12.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Other
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Castelnau, 1873

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect West Australian seahorse.

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for West Australian seahorse ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.