Hippocampus reidi
Longsnout Seahorse
Maximum Size:
7 in (18 cm) with tail outstretched
Longevity:
Up to 4 years, possibly more in captivity.
Typical depth:
10–180 ft (3–55 m)
Behavior:
The longsnout seahorse, also known as the slender seahorse, is found throughout the Caribbean, but its conservation status is considered near threatened. They prefer shallow reef areas. They are typically found clinging to seagrasses, algae, gorgonians and sponges with their prehensile tail, while feeding on zooplankton, mysid shrimp and small crustaceans.
Predators:
Rays, snapper, mahi mahi, tuna and crabs.
Did you know?
It is the male seahorse, rather than the female, who becomes “pregnant.” The female deposits around 1,500 eggs in the male’s brood pouch, where they are fertilized and nurtured for roughly 14 days before hatching. When the juveniles are ready to hatch, the male attaches its tail to a stationary structure and begins to arch its back, back and forth, releasing the juveniles into the water column.
