Hippocampus borboniensis Duméril, 1870
Réunion seahorse
Hippocampus borboniensis
photo by Lourie, S.A.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  14 cm OT (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 60 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Reunion, and east coast of southern Africa. Conservation status: Vulnerable (Ref. 30915).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18. Description: (based on 19 specimens): Adult height: 8.0-14.0 cm. Rings: 11 + 35-36 (34-38). Snout length: 2.4 (2.1-2.8) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 17 (16-18) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 15-16. Coronet: low, with five rounded knobs. Spines: well-developed rounded knobs. Other distinctive characters: usually with prominent rounded eye spine. Color pattern: dusty green brown with dusty yellow dots and marbling and broken lines on head73; or dark, uniform.
Biology:  Length type is height (=TL - head length). Found in seagrass beds. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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