Table of Contents
Overview
Brief Summary
Biology
While information on the biology of this particular species is lacking, it is likely to be similar to that of other seahorses (Hippocampus species). Seahorses are ambush predators that wait in the water until a prey, such as a small crustacean, tiny, young fish, or other invertebrate, passes close by its mouth. With a rapid intake of water, the seahorse sucks the prey up into its long snout (6). The most distinctive and arguably the most interesting feature of seahorse biology is the manner in which they reproduce. During mating, the female deposits a clutch of eggs into a pouch in the male's tail, where they are fertilised by the male. The male then seals the pouch shut, enclosing the embryos in a protective environment in which the developing seahorses are supplied with oxygen through a network of capillaries. At the end of pregnancy, the male enters labour, which lasts for hours as the male actively forces the young out of the pouch. Immediately after birth, the young seahorses are independent and receive no further care from either parent (6).
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Description
Named after the spines that project from the corners of the bony plates covering the body (4), the spiny seahorse is, like all seahorses, an intriguing and peculiar-looking fish. As well as its spiny appearance, this seahorse can be distinguished by its very long snout (2), which is sparsely patterned with white bars (5). The colour of this seahorse is highly variable, ranging from bright yellow to pale pink or green to match its surroundings (2) (5), and the spines often have dark tips (2). Its independently-moving eyes, which enable the seahorse to scan the surrounding water for potential prey (6), only add to this animal's bizarre appearance.
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Comprehensive Description
Biology
A rare inhabitant of shallow sheltered reefs, found among clumps of algae or in seagrass beds. Large adult pelagic and probably associated with drifting debris. Associated with sponges and sea-squirts (Ref. 30915, 58302). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Use in traditional Chinese medicine is increasing with the rise in patent medicines (Ref. 30915). Not common in the aquarium trade (Ref. 30915).
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Lourie, S.A., A.C.J. Vincent and H.J. Hall 1999 Seahorses: an identification guide to the world's species and their conservation. Project Seahorse, London. 214 p. (Ref. 30915)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=30915&speccode=13100
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Distribution
Indo-Pacific: Tanzania and South Africa to Hawaii and Tahiti, north to Japan, south to New Caledonia. Reported from the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819). This name is used for at least four distinct species (Ref. 30915). International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies.
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Lourie, S.A., A.C.J. Vincent and H.J. Hall 1999 Seahorses: an identification guide to the world's species and their conservation. Project Seahorse, London. 214 p. (Ref. 30915)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=30915&speccode=13100
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Mauritius, Mozambique, Red Sea, Reunion, Seychelles, South Africa (country), Tanzania
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MacNae, W. & M. Kalk (eds) (1958). A natural history of Inhaca Island, Mozambique. Witwatersrand Univ. Press, Johannesburg. I-iv, 163 pp.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=6266
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Anon. (1996). FishBase 96 [CD-ROM]. ICLARM: Los Baños, Philippines. 1 cd-rom pp.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=5909
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Randall, J.E. (1992). Red Sea Reef Fishes. Immel Publishing.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=6091
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Anon. (2000). FishBase 2000 [CD-ROM]. ICLARM: Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 4 cd-roms pp.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=6542
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Fishelson, L., 1971. Ecology and distribution of the benthic fauna in the shallow waters of the Red Sea. Marine Biology, 10/2: 113-133.
http://www.marinespecies.org/ascidiacea/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=29127
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Range
The spiny seahorse occurs in the west Pacific Ocean, where it is primarily known from Japan, south to Indonesia and the Coral Sea (5).
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Physical Description
Morphology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 18; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 4
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Lourie, S.A., A.C.J. Vincent and H.J. Hall 1999 Seahorses: an identification guide to the world's species and their conservation. Project Seahorse, London. 214 p. (Ref. 30915)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=30915&speccode=13100
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Size
Max. size
17.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 11441))
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Randall, J.E. 1995 Coastal fishes of Oman. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 439 p. (Ref. 11441)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=11441&speccode=4740
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Diagnostic Description
Description: (based on 22 specimens): Adult height: 7.9-13.5cm. Rings: 11 + 35 (34-37). Snout length: 1.7-2.0 in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 17 (15-18) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 18 (17-20). Coronet: medium, with four or five very long, very sharp spines. Spines: extremely long and sharp; all spines well-developed. Other distinctive characters: very long snout (more than 1/2 head length); single cheek spine; dorsal fin base very short; always has at least as many pectoral as dorsal fin rays (whereas most species have more dorsal fin rays); sharp ventral keel; prominent spine in front of coronet.Color pattern: base color variable, including pale pink, yellow or green; spines often dark tipped; may have pale saddles, often filled with small dark spots, across dorsolateral surfaces; snout not striped.
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Lourie, S.A., A.C.J. Vincent and H.J. Hall 1999 Seahorses: an identification guide to the world's species and their conservation. Project Seahorse, London. 214 p. (Ref. 30915)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=30915&speccode=13100
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Description
A rare inhabitant of shallow sheltered reefs, found among clumps of algae or in seagrass beds. Large adults occur pelagically and porbably associated with drifting debris.
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Anon. (1996). FishBase 96 [CD-ROM]. ICLARM: Los Baños, Philippines. 1 cd-rom pp.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=5909
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World Register of Marine Species
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Ecology
Habitat
Environment
reef-associated; non-migratory; marine; depth range ? - 82 m (Ref. 37816)
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Myers, R.F. 1999 Micronesian reef fishes: a comprehensive guide to the coral reef fishes of Micronesia, 3rd revised and expanded edition. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 330 p. (Ref. 37816)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=37816&speccode=4307
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Habitat and Ecology
Habitat and Ecology
Systems
Found at depths of at least 6 m. H. histrix is often associated with sponges and sea-squirts, or is found in areas of sparse or no seagrass (R.H. Kuiter in Lourie et al. 1999). The species primarily lives at moderate depths of about 15 m or deeper, on soft bottom with soft corals and sponges, but it is occasionally found inhabiting shallower algae-rubble reef zones in about 10 m depth (Kuiter 2000).
This species may be particularly susceptible to decline. All seahorse species have vital parental care, and in many species studied to date have high site fidelity (Perante et al. 2002, Vincent et al. in review), highly structured social behaviour (Vincent and Sadler 1995) and relatively sparse distributions (Lourie et al. 1999). The importance of life history parameters in determining response to exploitation has been demonstrated for a number of species (Jennings et al. 1998).
This species may be particularly susceptible to decline. All seahorse species have vital parental care, and in many species studied to date have high site fidelity (Perante et al. 2002, Vincent et al. in review), highly structured social behaviour (Vincent and Sadler 1995) and relatively sparse distributions (Lourie et al. 1999). The importance of life history parameters in determining response to exploitation has been demonstrated for a number of species (Jennings et al. 1998).
Systems
- Marine
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Depth range based on 4 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 3 samples.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 42.7 - 78.665
Temperature range (°C): 22.841 - 26.270
Nitrate (umol/L): 2.089 - 5.586
Salinity (PPS): 34.240 - 35.344
Oxygen (ml/l): 4.057 - 4.541
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.162 - 0.494
Silicate (umol/l): 0.995 - 9.181
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 42.7 - 78.665
Temperature range (°C): 22.841 - 26.270
Nitrate (umol/L): 2.089 - 5.586
Salinity (PPS): 34.240 - 35.344
Oxygen (ml/l): 4.057 - 4.541
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.162 - 0.494
Silicate (umol/l): 0.995 - 9.181
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 3 samples.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 42.7 - 78.665
Temperature range (°C): 22.841 - 26.270
Nitrate (umol/L): 2.089 - 5.586
Salinity (PPS): 34.240 - 35.344
Oxygen (ml/l): 4.057 - 4.541
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.162 - 0.494
Silicate (umol/l): 0.995 - 9.181
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 42.7 - 78.665
Temperature range (°C): 22.841 - 26.270
Nitrate (umol/L): 2.089 - 5.586
Salinity (PPS): 34.240 - 35.344
Oxygen (ml/l): 4.057 - 4.541
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.162 - 0.494
Silicate (umol/l): 0.995 - 9.181
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
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Depth: 6 - 69m.
From 6 to 69 meters.
Habitat: reef-associated. A rare inhabitant of shallow sheltered reefs, found among clumps of algae or in seagrass beds. Large adults occur pelagically and are probably associated with drifting debris.
From 6 to 69 meters.
Habitat: reef-associated. A rare inhabitant of shallow sheltered reefs, found among clumps of algae or in seagrass beds. Large adults occur pelagically and are probably associated with drifting debris.
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Found at depths of at least six metres, the spiny seahorse is often found in water over soft bottoms, amongst soft coral, sponges and sea squirts (2) (5), where there is little or no seagrass (2). It may also be found in shallower areas where algae grow on reef rubble (dead, unstable, coral) (5).
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Trophic Strategy
A rare inhabitant of shallow sheltered reefs, found among clumps of algae or in seagrass beds (Ref. 30915) and sponges (Ref. 52034).
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Masuda, H. and G.R. Allen 1993 Meeresfische der Welt - GroÃ-Indopazifische Region. Tetra Verlag, Herrenteich, Melle. 528 p. (Ref. 9137)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=9137&speccode=127
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Life History and Behavior
Life Cycle
Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205).
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Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen 1966 Modes of reproduction in fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey. 941 p. (Ref. 205)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=205&speccode=1256
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Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology
Statistics of barcoding coverage: Hippocampus histrix
Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 4
Specimens with Barcodes: 4
Species With Barcodes: 1
Public Records: 4
Specimens with Barcodes: 4
Species With Barcodes: 1
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Conservation
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
DD
Data Deficient
Red List Criteria
Version
3.1
Year Assessed
2002
Assessor/s
Project Seahorse
Reviewer/s
Lafrance, P., Lourie, S., Marsden, D. & Vincent, A.C.J. (Syngnathid Red List Authority)
Contributor/s
Justification
The species assessed as H. histrix in 1996 is now recognised as H. barbouri. In assessing the species now identified as H. histrix we found that appropriate data on biology and ecology, habitat, abundance and distribution are not available for this species. Further research is needed.
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Status
Classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List 2007 (1) and listed on Appendix II of CITES (3).
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Trends
Population
Population Trend
Unknown
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Threats
Vulnerable (VU) (A2cd+4cd)
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IUCN 2006 2006 IUCN red list of threatened species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded July 2006.
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=57073
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Major Threats
Current threats to the species are unknown. Spiny seahorses are less desirable for traditional Chinese medicine, although their use is increasing with the rise in patent medicines (Lourie et al. 1999). H. histrix is rarely seen in the aquarium trade.
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Many seahorses are threatened by exploitation for use in traditional Chinese medicines, as well as for curios, souvenirs and aquariums (7). Although the spiny seahorse is known to be collected (5), it is less desirable than some other species for the traditional Chinese medicine trade and is rarely seen in the aquarium trade (2). There is insufficient information to determine to what extent this species may currently be threatened by any such activities, and thus the IUCN has classified the spiny seahorse as Data Deficient (1).
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Management
Conservation Actions
Conservation Actions
Further research on this species is needed. It is listed on CITES Appendix II.
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Conservation
The spiny seahorse is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meaning that any trade in this species should be carefully monitored (3). It has been recommended that further research is undertaken on this little-known seahorse (1).
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Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Benefits
Importance
fisheries: highly commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: unknown; price reliability:
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Vincent, A.C.J. 1996 The international trade in seahorses. TRAFFIC International, Cambridge, UK. 163 p. (Ref. 12238)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=12238&speccode=13100
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Wikipedia
Spiny seahorse
The spiny seahorse (Hippocampus histrix), also referred to as the thorny seahorse, is a seahorse in the family Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipefishes) of the order Syngnathiformes. H. histrix is found in seagrass beds as well as weedy or spongy reefs in the Indo-Pacific and has one of the largest species ranges of any seahorse. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 17 cm in length.
Conservation [edit]
H. histrix is listed as vulnerable by both the IUCN[1] and the Viet Nam National Red Data Book. Trade of this species is limited under CITES, requiring licenses and a minimum size limit to be met. Like many other species of seahorse, H. histrix is increasingly threatened by traditional and patented Chinese medicine.
References [edit]
- ^ Wiswedel, S. 2012. Hippocampus histrix. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 27 October 2012.
- "Thorny Seahorse (H, histrix')". Project Seahorse. Retrieved 6 Sept 2012.
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2012). "Hippocampus histrix" in FishBase. Septembler 2012 version.
Spiny seahorse from East Timor
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