Hippocampus breviceps Peters, 1869
Shorthead seahorse
Hippocampus breviceps
photo by Good, P.

 Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Hippocampinae
 Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  demersal; depth range - 15 m, non-migratory
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: endemic to south west Australia. International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-23; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Description: (based on 40 specimens): Adult height: 4.5-8.0 cm. Rings: 11 + 40 (39-43). Snout length: 3.0 (2.4-3.5). Dorsal fin rays: 20-21 (19-23) covering 3+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 14-15 (13-15). Coronet: tall, columnar or knob-like. Spines: irregularly developed, some very low, others very prominent rounded tubercles. Other distinctive characters: with or without mane of thick skin fronds on the head and neck region; mature males have prominent brood pouch. Color pattern: purplish brown or yellowish or reddish; numerous dark-margined ocelli (white spots); often with dark spots or patches, especially on head; ventral surface of tail with paler transverse stripes.
 Biology:  Adults inhabit inshore waters (Ref. 7300). Occur in small to large aggregations in weed patches attached to rocks on sand, mostly in Sargassum weeds (Ref. 9002). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
 IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Torres, Armi G. - 16.01.97
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 06.06.17
 Checked by: Froese, Rainer - 17.08.99

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