Hippocampus lichtensteinii Kaup, 1856
Lichtenstein's Seahorse
Hippocampus lichtensteinii
photo by Lourie, S.A.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  4 cm OT (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea. No exact localities are stated (Ref. 30915). If the type locality is in error this might be a synonym of the very similar Hippocampus zosterae.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12. Description: (based on 6 specimens): Adult height: 3.0-4.0cm. Rings: 10+31. Snout length: 3.2-3.9 in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 11-12 covering 2+0 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 11-12. Coronet: high, columnar or knob-like, without spines. Spines: low, rounded bumps only. Other distinctive characters: big head in relation to body. Color pattern: preserved specimens pale brown without markings.
Biology:  Length type refers to height. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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