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Who?
Family: Syngnathidae
Species: Hippocampus reidi
Species ID: S.HR
Description: The seahorse’s elongated body is covered in bony armour and is characterized by a curving neck and horse-like head (1), as well as a curled prehensile tail (2). Body colour is variable, and can be yellow, white, brown, black or even two-toned. The body is peppered with small dark spots (3), distinguishing it from other seahorses. Males have a smooth pouch on their belly (4), while females do not. Juveniles resemble adults
Maximum Size: 18 cm (7 in) with the tail outstretched
Longevity: Unknown, but likely to be at least 4-5 years based on the longevity of relatives
Status: Insufficient information is currently available to assess the conservation status of this species according to IUCN standards, however, all seahorses are considered threatened and their trade is therefore controlled by CITES.
Long-Snout Seahorse & People: This seahorse is very popular in the aquarium trade, and collection of wild specimens still occurs. They are also dried for sale as tourist souvenirs or for export to Asia where they are used in traditional medicine
Where?
Geographical Range: The range of this species is still under review, but is believed to occur throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, north to Florida and south to Brazil
Coral Reef Zone: These seahorses are found in the shore, back reef, and fore reef and drop-off zones
Favourite Habitat: Seahorses prefer shallow areas where they can camouflage themselves among seagrasses, algae, gorgonians, or sponges
Depth Range : 0 –55 m (0–180 ft)
A Day in the Life:
Dawn: Mated pairs perform greeting dances, and feeding activity begins
Day: Seahorses are most active during the day, when they feed and mate
Dusk: Some feeding activity occurs, but declines as the sun sets
Night: These seahorses rest at night while clinging to plants, sponges or gorgonians
Who Eats Who
The long-snout seahorse is a carnivore that eats tiny zooplankton, mysid shrimp and small crustaceans. They have few predators due to their armour and excellent camouflage, but are still eaten by rays, turtles, and especially crabs when young and vulnerable.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Remove only recent garbage from the sea Garbage that has been in the sea for a long time might have been adopted as a new home by some marine organisms; encrusting organisms may also call it home. Remove only recent garbage from the sea.
