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| Spotted Seahorse Hippocampus kuda |
| Common Names: kabayong-dagat,
kabayo-kabayohan Discoverer: Bleeker, 1852 Category: Endangered Status: Resident Description: Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal softrays (total): 17-18; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft-rays: 4-4. Description: (based on 80 specimens): Adult height: 7.0-17.0cm. Rings: 11+36 (34-38). Snout length: 2.3 (2.0-2.6) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 17-18 covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 16 (15-18). Coronet: low-medium, rounded, overhanging at the back, often with a cup-like depression in the top; sometimes with broad flanges; not spiny. Spines: low, rounded bumps only. Other distinctive characters: deep head; deep body; thick snout. Colour/Pattern: often totally black with a grainy texture; alternatively pale yellow or cream with fairly large, dark spots (especially females); may be sandy coloured, blending in with the surroundings. Habitat/Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Pakistan and India to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Society Islands (Ref. 30915). This name is used for maybe 10 distinct species in the Indo-Pacific (Ref. 12238, 30915). Habitat / Behavior: Inhabits sea grass and marine algae areas of estuaries and seaward reefs; also on steep mud slopes. Found in open water and attached to drifting Sargassum up to 20 km from shore. Very popular aquarium fish. Highly valued species in traditional Chines medicine (Ref. 30915). Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35416). Max. size: 30.0 cm TL
Threats: Over-fishing for export
industry Conservation Efforts/Measures: Haribon, Handumon Seahorse Protection Project, Handumon Marine Sactuary, Tigbauan, Iloilo's Seahorse Captive-breeding Program . Photograph Information: Courtesy of the FishBase.org |
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