Lined Seahorse

(Hippocampus erectus)

Find Me In
Caribbean Currents
IUCN Conservation Status
Endangered (EN)
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Habitat/Range

This seahorse is found from Cape Cod (and rarely Nova Scotia, Canada) southward to Bermuda, the Bahamas, shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Lesser Antilles, Caribbean coast of Panama, and Columbia, and the Atlantic coast of South America to Uruguay.

Animal Size

The maximum reported length of the lined seahorse is 7.5 inches (19.0 cm). Maturity is reached at lengths of 2.2-2.8 inches (5.6-7.0 cm) with males developing brood pouches at 5-7 months of age.

One of the most fascinating and delicate creatures in the animal kingdom. Seahorses are fish, though they are also closely related to pipefish and sea dragons. They do not have scales like most other fish, but rather have bony plates just below the skin that act like a suit of armor. Seahorses are weak swimmers, and their prehensile tail allows them to hold onto grass or rocks so that they won't be swept away. Many seahorses can change color to camouflage with their surroundings. Some species even develop fleshy tabs on their skin to help them hide. When eating, the seahorse's long snout acts like a powerful straw, sucking prey into its mouth.

Things To Know


Types


Fish



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