Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) fish species and information / pictures of Pygmy seahorse - Hippocampus bargibanti

Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hippocampus bargibanti

Common Name
Pygmy seahorse

Biology
Only known to occur on gorgonian corals of the genus Muricella, with up to 28 pairs on a single gorgonian. The tubercles and truncated snout of this species match the color and shape of the polyps of the host gorgonian, while its body matches the gorgonian stem. So extreme is this camouflage that the original specimens were only noticed after their host gorgonian had been collected and observed in an aquarium. Post-pelagic young settle on various hosts, but to breed, they appear to prefer the red polyp Muricella spp. That usually grow in depths over 20 m (Ref. 48635). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).

Classification

Classified By

Whitley, 1970

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Pipefishes and Seahorses (Syngnathiformes)

Family

Pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathidae)

Distribution

Region

Western Central Pacific

Distribution

Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Queensland, and New Caledonia. Conservation status: data deficient (Ref. 30915). International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04).

Range

3°N - 23°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

16 m

Depth To - meters

40 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 16 - 40 m (Ref. 30915)

Trophic Level

3.44 s.e. 0.52 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

2.4 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (12 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Fec=34)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Data deficient (DD)