Latin name

Hippocampus angustus

Other name

Narrow-bellied seahorse, western Australian seahorse.

Identification

The western spiny seahorse can be recognised by its slender body, long snout, well-developed spines and high crown. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19.

Fish colouring

The colouration is usually grey to brownish with white, yellow, orange or brown mottled patches on the head and body. There are 5-6 characteristic dark, irregularly shaped stripes on the muzzle.

Distribution

Widespread in the waters off Australia, from Perth to Hervey Bay, and in southern Papua New Guinea in the Torres Strait.

Habitat

It inhabits soft bottoms adjacent to coral reefs and on soft corals at depths from 3 to 63 meters (9.8-206.7 feet).

Size

Individuals of this species are usually about 16 centimetres (6.3 inches) long, but can reach up to 22 centimetres (8.7 inches). 

Behavior

They live in sheltered bays and do not migrate.

Food and feeding habits

This species, like other seahorses, is thought to feed on small crustaceans. 

Reproduction

It is oviparous, with males laying eggs in a brood pouch before giving birth to live young. This seahorse is monogamous when it comes to mating. During the mating season, males fertilise the eggs of only one female.

Fishing

The species is of minor commercial interest.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.