Spotted Seahorse

Spotted Seahorse

Hippocampus kuda

Vulnerable
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DESCRIPTION

The Spotted Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) is a distinctive marine fish known for its horse-like head, prehensile tail, and often mottled or spotted coloration, ranging from yellow to black. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, including seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs, across the Indo-Pacific region. Primarily diurnal, this species is a carnivorous ambush predator, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton, and is notable for the male carrying the eggs in a brood pouch until hatching.

Max Length 30 cm
Max Weight 7.6 g
Lifespan 1 - 5 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 68 m
Diet Planktivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior In pairs
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Spotted Seahorse

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Spotted Seahorse

Range

Where Spotted Seahorse has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Spotted Seahorse

Where can you see the Spotted Seahorse?

The Spotted Seahorse can be seen at 15 dive destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, Maldives, and Indonesia. The best spots include Abu Dabbab (Egypt), Kapalai (Malaysia), Koh Lipe (Thailand), Lankayan (Malaysia), and Mabul (Malaysia).

What is the best time to see the Spotted Seahorse?

Sightings of the Spotted Seahorse peak at different times depending on the destination: Lankayan from May to October, Koh Tao from May to October, and Lembeh Strait from May to October.

Can you see the Spotted Seahorse all year round?

Yes. At Kapalai, Koh Lipe, and Mabul, the Spotted Seahorse is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Spotted Seahorse in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, you can see the Spotted Seahorse at Kapalai, Lankayan, and Mabul.

Where can you see the Spotted Seahorse in Thailand?

In Thailand, you can see the Spotted Seahorse at Koh Lipe, Koh Tao, and Similan Islands.

Where can you see the Spotted Seahorse in Egypt?

In Egypt, you can see the Spotted Seahorse at Abu Dabbab and Hurghada.

How big does the Spotted Seahorse get?

The Spotted Seahorse can reach up to 30 cm in length and 7.6 g in weight.

What habitat does the Spotted Seahorse live in?

The Spotted Seahorse is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Spotted Seahorse live?

The Spotted Seahorse lives from the surface down to 68 m.

What does the Spotted Seahorse eat?

Lives on plankton, picking drifting animals and larvae out of the water column.

When is the Spotted Seahorse most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

How long does the Spotted Seahorse live?

The Spotted Seahorse lives 1 to 5 years.

What is the conservation status of the Spotted Seahorse?

The Spotted Seahorse is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Spotted Seahorse. Spotted something that looks off?

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