| Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Hippocampinae |
| 12.1 cm OT (male/unsexed) |
|
demersal; depth range 0 - 20 m, non-migratory |
| Southeast Atlantic: endemic to South Africa. Hippocampus capensis has the smallest known range of any seahorse and was the first to be assessed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, in 1994. International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 3-3. Description: (based on 96 specimens): Adult height: 5.3-11.2cm. Rings: 11 + 34 (32-37). Snout length: ca. 3.0 in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 17 (16-18) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 15 (14-17). Coronet: none, arch of neck is a smooth curve; juveniles may have a very small coronet but this disappears as they mature. Spines: none on body; very short and blunt on tail
Other distinctive characters: short snout; male with slight keel.
Color pattern: usually mottled greenish or brownish; can have scattered dark spots on body. |
| Found in bays and estuaries among submerged vegetation; diurnal (Ref. 4281, 30915). Can tolerate salinities from 1-59 ppt (Ref. 30915). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Length type refers to Height (= from top of coronet to the tip of straightened tail). |
|
Endangered (B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv)c(ii)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv)c(ii))
(Ref. 96402)
|
| harmless |
|
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