Family : Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses) , subfamily: Hippocampinae
Order : Syngnathiformes  (pipefishes and seahorses)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Sea pony
Fish Name : Hippocampus fuscus
Max size : 14.4 cm OT (male/unsexed; Ref. 47822)
Environment : demersal; amphidromous ; depth range 0 - 10 m
Climate : tropical
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm=0.3-0.4)Distribution : Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, and Sri Lanka. Records from South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius and Réunion are questionable. International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-17. Description: (based on 21 specimens): Adult height: 8.0-12.0cm. Rings: 11 + 34 (33-37). Snout length: 2.7 (2.4-3.0) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 16 (14-17) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 15 (14-16). Coronet: low, arch of neck a smooth curve, or slightly raised and rough. Spines: low, smooth to slightly developed. Other distinctive characters: head large compared to body; deep head.Color pattern: usually dark but can be bright yellow; specimens from Suez are pale with marbled pattern of brown lines on trunk and head.
Biology : Length type refers to height (= TL - head length). Occurs in eelgrass beds (Zostera sp.) in lagoons. Used in India for traditional medicines. Diurnal. Adults pair-bond and greet on daily basis in the laboratory (Ref. 30915). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Lourie, S.A., A.C.J. Vincent and H.J. Hall. 1999. (Ref. 30915)

India country information
Common Names : Chilka seahorse
Status : questionable
Salinity : freshwater, brackish, marine
Uses : no uses