Hippocampus bargibanti

Pygmy Seahorse

1.4-2.7 cm
1-3 år
Otillräckliga data
Om

Pygmy Seahorse

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.

Storlek

1.4-2.7 cm

Vikt

Mindre än 1 gram

Livslängd

1-3 år

Status

Otillräckliga data

Var du hittar dem

Bästa dykplatser

Lembeh Strait, IndonesienRaja Ampat, IndonesienWakatobi, IndonesienAnilao, FilippinernaKomodo, IndonesienFijiSalomonöarna

Dyktips

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.

Bästa säsong

Year-round, visibility best in dry season

Livsmiljö

Exclusively on gorgonian sea fans (Muricella spp.) at 16-40 metres depth in the western Pacific

Föda

Tiny crustaceans and plankton captured from water currents
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Roliga fakta

1

Males carry and give birth to the young, like all seahorses

2

They were discovered by accident when a sea fan was collected for research

3

At least seven species of pygmy seahorse have now been identified

4

They can change colour slightly to match their host fan

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