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 (7). The most distinctive and arguably the most interesting feature of seahorse biology is the manner in which they reproduce. During mating, which in the maned seahorse takes place between March and October (2), 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 (7). After a gestation period of three to five weeks the male enters labour (2), 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 (7). The maned seahorse has been reported to produce broods of up to 581 young (2).
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Description
The maned seahorse is a particularly striking species of seahorse, named after the prominent fleshy spines that run down the back of the neck, giving the appearance of a 'mane' (4). The colour of the maned seahorse ranges from greenish-yellow to reddish brown, often mimicking the colour of the surrounding environment (4), providing this small fish with valuable camouflage. The body is also often patterned with various spots and blotches (2) (5). Like other seahorses, the maned seahorse has a long snout and a prehensile tail that can curl around to grip any object in the water (4) (6).
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Comprehensive Description
Biology
Commonly referred to as Hippocampus ramulosus. Occurs mostly in shallow inshore waters including littoral lagoons (Ref. 9937) among algae and eel grass (Zostera or Posidonia), or among rocks and in gravel bottoms (Ref. 52034). Juveniles were observed to recruit to vegetated habitats at 8.8- 10.4 cm length (Ref. 79902). Adults (from 12.5 cm length) appear to maintain very restricted home ranges (19.9 ± 12.4 m2) over multiple years making limited daily movements. (Ref. 79902). May move to deeper waters during winter (Ref. 53712). Like other seahorse species, adult dispersals over large distances is probably caused by strong wave action and currents during storms or when it anchors itself to floating debris (Ref. 52034). Is thought to live for 4-7 years (Ref. 79902). Because of its early age at maturity, rapid growth rate, short generation time and multiple breeding cycles during each spawning season, resilience is thought to be high (Ref. 88171). However, in tropical areas where seagrass beds are regularly exploited for other species of seahorses for the aquarium trade, traditional medicine, etc., populations have been quickly eradicated (Ref. 89253). Can be maintained in an aquarium environment if trained to feed on dead animals (Ref. 88171). Length type OT refers to height (= TL - head length), 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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Description
Hippocampus guttulatus can be up to 15 cm in length and has a long snout. The fleshy protuberances on the back of the neck, from the head to dorsal fin, give an appearance of a 'mane'. It can be coloured from greenish-yellow through to reddish-brown and often mimics the colour of associated vegetation. It is speckled with bluish-white spots and flecks and its body rings carry bony tubercles giving it an angular, knobbly appearance.Other common names include the 'spiny seahorse' or the 'many branched seahorse'. The long snouted seahorse is one of two species of seahorses found in the British Isles; the other is Hippocampus hippocampus, which can be distinguished by a shorter snout and the lack of elongated protuberances along the back of the neck. Their distribution around the British Isles has been recently revised by the British Seahorse Survey (Garrick-Maidment & Jones, 2004).
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Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: British Isles and the Netherlands to Morocco, Canary Islands (Ref. 4509), Madeira, and the Azores, including the Mediterranean (Ref. 89253). Although morphologically smaller than specimens from other areas, recent genetic data confirms that specimens from the Black Sea are in fact long-snouted seahorses (Ref. 89255). International trade is monitored through a licensing system (CITES II, since 5.15.04) and a minimum size of 10 cm applies. Listed in Appendix II (Mediterranean, as Hippocampus ramulosus) of the Bern Convention (2002) and in Appendix II (as Hippocampus spp.) at CITES (2009).
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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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Range Description
Hippocampus guttulatus is primarily a species of European waters, occurring in the Eastern Atlantic from the Netherlands, south to Portugal, and the Mediterranean. It may also occur in the Suez Canal.
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Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, Greek Exclusive Economic Zone, Oostende
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Holly, M. (1936). Die Syngnathiden der belgischen Küstengewässer [The syngnathids of the Belgian territorial waters]. Bull. Mus. royal d'Hist. Nat. Belg./Med. Kon. Natuurhist. Mus. Belg. 7(7): 1-6
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=1600
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Vandendriessche, S.; Messiaen, M.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2005). Juvenile Hippocampus guttulatus from a neuston tow at the French-Belgian border. Belg. J. Zool. 135(1): 101-102
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=9231
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Koukouras, Athanasios. (2010). Check-list of marine species from Greece. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Assembled in the framework of the EU FP7 PESI project.
http://www.marinespecies.org/asteroidea/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=142068
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Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, eastern Atlantic: British Isles to Morocco, Canary Islands and Azores.
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Range
This eastern Atlantic species can be found in European waters from the Netherlands, south to Portugal and the Mediterranean. It may also occur in the Suez Canal (1).
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Physical Description
Morphology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 1720
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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
21.5 cm SL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 79902)); 18 cm OT (female)
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Curtis, J.M.R. and A.C.J. Vincent 2006 Life history of an unusual marine fish: survival, growth and movement patterns of Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier 1829. J. Fish Biol. 68:707-733. (Ref. 79902)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=79902&speccode=1802
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Diagnostic Description
Description (based on 46 specimens): Adult height: 8.5-18.0cm. Rings: 11 + 37-39 (35-40). Snout length: 2.3-2.8 in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 19-20 (17-20) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 16-18. Coronet: small but distinct, with 5 rounded knobs or blunt points; horizontal plate in front of coronet as high as coronet itself, with a more or less prominent spine at its front edge; coronet not joined smoothly to neck. Spines: medium to well-developed with blunt tips.Other distinctive characters: prominent rounded eye spines; often with a mane of thick skin fronds on neck and head.Color pattern: from dark green to brown (Refs. 52034, 89230); prominent white spots on body (often with a dark ring around them) which tend to coalesce into horizontal wavy lines103; may be variously mottled or with pale saddles across dorsolateral surface.
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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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Type Information
Paratype for Hippocampus guttulatus
Catalog Number: USNM 117545
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes
Locality: Bay of Biscay?, France, Atlantic
Catalog Number: USNM 117545
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Fishes
Locality: Bay of Biscay?, France, Atlantic
- Paratype:
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Ecology
Habitat
Environment
demersal; non-migratory; marine; depth range ? - 20 m (Ref. 52034)
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Foster, S.J. and A.C.J. Vincent 2004 Life history and ecology of seahorses: implications for conservation and management. J. Fish Biol. 65:1-61. (Ref. 52034)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=52034&speccode=13100
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Habitat and Ecology
Habitat and Ecology
Systems
This species occurs in shallow, muddy waters amongst eelgrass and seagrass beds (Lythgoe and Lythgoe 1971, Whitehead 1986, Wheeler 1985); estuaries; and rocky areas (Lourie et al. 1999). It may overwinter in deeper water (Boisseau 1967).
This species may be particularly susceptible to decline. The information on habitat suggests they inhabit shallow seagrass beds (Lourie et al. 1999) that are susceptible to human degradation, as well as making them susceptible to being caught as bycatch. All seahorse species have vital parental care, and 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. The information on habitat suggests they inhabit shallow seagrass beds (Lourie et al. 1999) that are susceptible to human degradation, as well as making them susceptible to being caught as bycatch. All seahorse species have vital parental care, and 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 2 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 5 - 33.5
Temperature range (°C): 19.203 - 19.203
Nitrate (umol/L): 1.064 - 1.064
Salinity (PPS): 37.543 - 37.543
Oxygen (ml/l): 5.265 - 5.265
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.246 - 0.246
Silicate (umol/l): 3.188 - 3.188
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 5 - 33.5
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 5 - 33.5
Temperature range (°C): 19.203 - 19.203
Nitrate (umol/L): 1.064 - 1.064
Salinity (PPS): 37.543 - 37.543
Oxygen (ml/l): 5.265 - 5.265
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.246 - 0.246
Silicate (umol/l): 3.188 - 3.188
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 5 - 33.5
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
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Present in shallow waters, especially amongst algae and seagrasses, clinging by the tail or swimming upright.
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The maned seahorse inhabits shallow waters, down to a depth of 12 metres, in areas of sea weed or seagrass (2) (5). It is thought to spend winter in rocky areas in deeper waters (2).
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Trophic Strategy
Visual and sedentary ambush predator, waiting for small crustaceans and benthic larvae to approach (Ref. 89230 ). Has the ability to change its colour to blend better with its surroundings. This likely plays a role in its feeding strategy and also in predator avoidance (Ref. 52034). Algae were found to be the fourth most common item in the stomachs (Ref. 83361). However there is some speculation that seahorses in general do not feed on algae and that plant material in stomachs of seahorses is probably ingested while feeding on other prey (Ref. 52034).
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Lelong, P. 1995 Hippocampe moucheté, Hippocampus ramolosus. Océanorama (Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard) No. 24, June 1995, p. 19-20. (Ref. 9937)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=9937&speccode=1802
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Life History and Behavior
Life Cycle
Ovoviviparous. During the mating season, mature males and females have been observed to change hue, i.e., become brighter, when courting (Refs. 52034, 89259). Female deposits her eggs on the brood pouch of the male which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). Gestation usually lasts 21 days (Ref. 89322) and brood sizes up to 581 have been reported (Refs. 53712, 79902, 89322). Young are expelled from the pouch measuring 1.5 cm after 3 weeks of incubation. Size at birth ranges from 0.6-1.4 cm length (Ref. 79902). Newly hatched young are planktonic for at least 8 weeks (Ref. 53712).
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Lelong, P. 1995 Hippocampe moucheté, Hippocampus ramolosus. Océanorama (Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard) No. 24, June 1995, p. 19-20. (Ref. 9937)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=9937&speccode=1802
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Life Expectancy
Lifespan, longevity, and ageing
Maximum longevity: 6 years (captivity)
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Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology
Statistics of barcoding coverage: Hippocampus guttulatus
Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 3
Specimens with Barcodes: 3
Species With Barcodes: 1
Public Records: 3
Specimens with Barcodes: 3
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
2003
Assessor/s
Project Seahorse
Reviewer/s
Foster, S.J., Marsden, A.D. & Vincent, A.C.J. (Syngnathid Red List Authority)
Contributor/s
Justification
There are no published data about population trends or total numbers of mature animals for this species. There is very little available information about its extent of occurrence or its area of occupancy. There have been no quantitative analyses examining the probability of extinction of this species. As a result, the assessors have insufficient data to properly assess the species against any of the IUCN criteria.
Hippocampus guttulatus previously was listed in 1996 as VU A2cd under the 1994 criteria. This assessment was based on suspected past declines in occupancy, occurrence and habitat, as well as on potential levels of exploitation. In reassessing the species with greater taxonomic understanding and under the new criteria we find no appropriate data on biology and ecology, habitat, abundance and distribution are available for this species. Further research is needed. Assessed as Data Deficient under the new criteria.
Hippocampus guttulatus previously was listed in 1996 as VU A2cd under the 1994 criteria. This assessment was based on suspected past declines in occupancy, occurrence and habitat, as well as on potential levels of exploitation. In reassessing the species with greater taxonomic understanding and under the new criteria we find no appropriate data on biology and ecology, habitat, abundance and distribution are available for this species. Further research is needed. Assessed as Data Deficient under the new criteria.
History
- 1996Vulnerable
- 1996Vulnerable
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Status
Classified as Data Deficient 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
Data deficient (DD)
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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
Seahorses are caught both intentionally and incidentally in Portugal, and sold for curiosities (J. Curtis, in litt. to P. LaFrance). They are also caught incidentally in Italy, France, Spain and Croatia (pers. comm. to P. LaFrance). The volume of this trade is unknown, but without appropriate management this trade might represent a threat to the species.
The species might also be threatened due to the vulnerability of its shallow habitats to human influence. These habitats are often degraded by humans, and animals located in the habitat are vulnerable to incidental capture in other fisheries
The species might also be threatened due to the vulnerability of its shallow habitats to human influence. These habitats are often degraded by humans, and animals located in the habitat are vulnerable to incidental capture in other fisheries
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This fascinating seahorse is caught both intentionally and accidentally in Portugal, where it is dried and sold for curios, and is also known to be captured incidentally in Italy, France, Spain and Croatia (1). The maned seahorse is also caught live for aquariums and the pet trade (2). While the extent to which this trade impacts populations of the maned seahorse is not known, such exploitation is likely to pose a threat (1). The maned seahorse's preference for shallow habitats also makes it highly vulnerable to habitat degradation; shallow, coastal habitats are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of human activities (1).
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Management
Conservation Actions
Conservation Actions
The entire genus Hippocampus was listed in Appendix II of CITES in November 2002. Implementation of this listing will begin May 2004. Full declaration of the trade in live and dead syngnathids is required in the European Union, and full monitoring of the dried trade is underway there. Hippocampus guttulatus is protected in Slovenia under the 1993 Protection of Threatened Animals Act. It is also included in the Red Data Books of France and Portugal. Further research on this species biology, ecology, habitat, abundance and distribution is needed.
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Conservation
As with all Hippocampus species, the maned 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 on the biology, ecology, abundance and distribution of this cryptic species is required (1); this would enable its current status to be determined and further conservation measures could be implemented if necessary.
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Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Benefits
Importance
fisheries: minor 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
Long-snouted seahorse
Not to be confused with Longsnout seahorse.
The long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) is a species of fish in the Syngnathidae family. The long-snouted seahorse is also referred to as the spiny seahorse and is native to the northeast Atlantic, including the Mediterranean.[1]
Long-snouted seahorses live in shallow, sheltered waters, hiding amidst seaweed and sea-grass. Their reproduction is interesting, with females depositing the eggs in a pouch in the male's abdomen, where he incubates them for 5 weeks. At the end of this time, the pouch repeatedly contracts until the small completely formed hatchlings are released.
References
- ^ a b Froese, R.; Pauly, D. (6 October 2010). "FishBase". http://www.fishbase.org/summary/speciessummary.php?id=1802.
Bibliography
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