Big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)

Biology

Found in large rock pools at low tide. They remain motionless amidst seaweed. Juveniles are pelagic or attached to drifting seaweeds. Feed on minute crustaceans (e.g. copepods and amphipods). Nocturnal. Ovoviviparous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. Seen in groups at night. Also around jetties and other man-made objects; attached to sponges and colonial hydroids in deeper water. Length measurements refer to height (= TL - head length).This is the largest seahorse species in southeastern Australia, and has more dorsal fin rays and tail rings than any other seahorse. Sold locally and internationally for the aquarium trade. Dried and sold to the Oriental medicine trade as a tonic and aphrodisiac.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.