Hippocampus amandavincentae

Hippocampus amandavincentae Latest News

Scientific studies recently identified a new species of seahorse named Hippocampus amandavincentae, which was previously misidentified as Hippocampus histrix.

About Hippocampus amandavincentae

• It is a new species of seahorse.
• It was recorded off the southwest coast of Kerala. 
• This discovery has made a total of 5 seahorse species discovered from the Kerala coast.

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What is a Seahorse?

• A seahorse is a marine fish belonging to the genus Hippocampus and related to pipefishes.  
• There are at least 50 species of seahorses. 
• Distribution: They are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. 
• Habitat: 
  • Typically found in shallow waters with abundant vegetation such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and estuaries. 
  • They are usually found clinging to plants or corals with their tails.  
• They are unique in appearance, with their horselike head, prehensile tail, independently moving eyes, and brood pouch.  
• They have long, tubular snouts and small, toothless mouths. 
• Their bodies are covered with consecutive rings of bony plates. 
• Seahorses vary in size, ranging in length from about 2 to 35 cm.
• Seahorses are rather immobile, swimming more slowly than other fishes.
• When swimming they maintain a vertical position and propel themselves forward using a soft-rayed dorsal fin. They use pectoral fins located on the side of the head to maneuver. 
• To move up and down, they adjust the volume of air in a tiny pocket inside their body, called a ‘swim bladder’. 
• Experts in camouflage, they can change color to blend into their surroundings and avoid danger. 
• They are carnivores. They eat small crustaceans and invertebrates.

News: TH