Latin name

Hippocampus pontohi

Other names

Weedy pygmy seahorse

Identification

The fish has a small and slender body with a tenacious tail. The head is relatively large, about 25% of the body. The eyes are convex. The snout is moderately long and does not have a convex tip. The muzzle is tucked back, creating a sort of angle when viewed in profile. There may also be small bulges on the body and tail. 

Features of fish fins

Fish have 12 dorsal soft rays, 14 dorsal fin rays, and 10 pectoral fin rays. 

Fish colouring

There may be conspicuous red rays on the top of the head and on the widest part of the back. The body coloration is whitish, with a yellowish-pinkish tinge on the head and back. Thin red lines may also run from the beginning of the skin fibers on the back. There are also several red stripes on the tail.

Distribution

Western Pacific: from Indonesia to the Solomon Islands and Fiji; north to Japan.

Habitat

Marine benthopelagic tropical species. Prefer reef walls open to the current and rich in Halimeda plants or Aglaophenia cupressina hydroids, at depths from 11 to 25 meters.

Size

Maximum length: 1.7 cm for males; 1.6 cm for females.

Behavior

Pontoh's pygmy seahorse is a non-migratory species.

Food and feeding habits

They are carnivorous animals and feed on small crustaceans and other planktonic organisms. 

Reproduction

This species is oviparous, and it is the male that lays the eggs in its abdominal brood pouch. The latter contains capillary-rich villi that surround each fertilized egg, forming a kind of placenta that nourishes the embryos. When the cubs are fully grown, they leave the nest and become independent.

Fishing

This species is not interesting for fishermen.

Relationship with a person

A species of fish that is harmless to humans.