HomeMarine aquarium fishSeahorses & pipefishNarrow-bellied seahorse Narrow-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus angustus) Scientific name: Hippocampus angustus G?nther, 1870 The Narrow-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus angustus) is a marine fish of the family Syngnathidae. BiologyFound in sheltered bays. Color varies from either white, orange or yellow with light patches and sometimes network of fine dark lines; also with narrow lines across snout. Ovoviviparous, monogamous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameHippocampus angustusFamilySyngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses)OrderSyngnathiformes (Pipefishes and Seahorses)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length22.0Depth range3–63 m (10–207 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 3 - 63 mClimateTropicalDistributionEastern Indian Ocean: northwestern Australia only, from Torres Strait to North West Cape. Records from Queensland need verification; often misidentified with Hippocampus histrix. International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies.Conservation status (IUCN)Data deficient (DD)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariumsResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More seahorses & pipefishLeafy seadragonPhycodurus equesLong-snouted seahorseHippocampus guttulatusLined seahorseHippocampus erectusPacific seahorseHippocampus ingensLongspine snipefishMacroramphosus scolopaxBarbour's seahorseHippocampus barbouriSee all seahorses & pipefish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026