Hippocampus bargibanti
The pygmy seahorse is one of the ocean's most incredible examples of camouflage, measuring less than 2 cm and living exclusively on gorgonian sea fans. Their tiny tubercles perfectly match the polyps of their host coral in both colour and texture. First discovered in 1969 when a scientist examined a gorgonian fan in a laboratory, these remarkable creatures are a holy grail for macro photographers and muck divers.
Finding pygmy seahorses requires excellent buoyancy, a keen eye, and ideally an experienced guide. Never touch the gorgonian fan, even slight contact can harm both the fan and the seahorse. Limit photography time and avoid continuous strobe use.
Year-round, visibility best in dry season
Exclusively on gorgonian sea fans (Muricella spp.) at 16-40 metres depth in the western Pacific
Tiny crustaceans and plankton captured from water currents
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