Big-bellied Seahorse
The big-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) is one of three seahorse species found in Tasmanian waters. Reaching up to 35 cm in height, they are one of the worlds largest seahorses, with a big round belly as their distinctive feature.
Big-bellied seahorse
Big belly
Hippocampus abdominalis
Syngnathidae
This beautiful seahorse has a light yellow or green colour with small eyes, an inquisitive face and and long snout/mouth. They have a curled tail that they use to grip onto kelp, sponges or coral to stabilise themselves againt ocean currents. Some have black spots on their back. Growing up to 35 cm tall, they are one of the largest seahorse species in the world.
18 - 35 cm
Their large, rounded belly, most prominent in adult males.
In the seahorse family the dad actually carries the babies. They have a huge pouch on the front of their belly in which the female deposits the eggs. Then the male fertilisers them and grows hundreds of fully formed tiny seahorses. They are also the only fish to swim vertically, propelled by a tiny dorsal fin working at 35 spins per second.
Sheltered coastal bays, harbours, estuaries, kelp forests and rocky reefs.
Small crustations.
Breeds year-round, with peak activity in spring and summer.
Found in the Southwest Pacific, across the Great Southern Reef in southeastern Australia, and New Zealand.
Protected
Loss of habitat and food, and collection for aquarium trade.
In Tasmania, good spots to see a Big-bellied seahorse would be in marine reserves on the East Coast.
Frequently asked questions about the Big-bellied Seahorse
What does the Big-bellied Seahorse eat?
Small crustations.
Where can I see the Big-bellied Seahorse in Tasmania?
In Tasmania, good spots to see a Big-bellied seahorse would be in marine reserves on the East Coast.
Is the Big-bellied Seahorse endangered?
Protected
What does the Big-bellied Seahorse look like?
Their large, rounded belly, most prominent in adult males.
Where does the Big-bellied Seahorse live?
Sheltered coastal bays, harbours, estuaries, kelp forests and rocky reefs.
What threats does the Big-bellied Seahorse face?
Loss of habitat and food, and collection for aquarium trade.
How does the Big-bellied Seahorse breed and reproduce?
Breeds year-round, with peak activity in spring and summer.
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