Denise's pygmy seahorse
Hippocampus denise
Sighting evidence at Siladen Island, Manado
Photo: Poul Erik Rasmussen · © all rights reserved
Even smaller than its Bargibant's cousin, Denise's pygmy seahorse reaches only 2 cm and associates with fan corals of the genus Annella as well as Muricella. Unlike Bargibant's, it shows greater colour variation and individuals can sometimes be found on non-fan substrates. Males carry developing embryos in a specialised brood pouch on their abdomen, giving birth to fully formed juveniles. A skilled local guide is essential; the species was only formally described in 2003 and remains poorly understood.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Denise's pygmy seahorse is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.