Highcrown Seahorse, Hippocampus procerus Kuiter, 2001

Scientific name: Hippocampus procerus
Highcrown Seahorse Click to enlarge image
A Highcrown Seahorse in the Gold Coast Seaway, Queensland. 2013. Image: Deb Aston
© Deb Aston

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Hippocampus
    Species
    procerus
    Family
    Syngnathidae
    Order
    Syngnathiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Highcrown Seahorse grows to 11 cm in length.

Introduction

The Highcrown Seahorse can be recognised by a combination of characters that include a high, backward-directed coronet with five moderate-sized, sharp spines on the apex. The species is endemic to Australia.

Identification

The Highcrown Seahorse can be recognised by a combination of characters that include a high, backward-directed coronet with five moderate-sized, sharp spines on the apex. There are low spines on then 'neck' behind the head and usually one spine under the head between the eye and 'neck'. It is yellowish ventrally and brownish with dark scribbles dorsally. The snout is dusky to yellowish with white flecks and spots.

Distribution

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Kuiter, R H. 2001. Revision of the Australian seahorses of the genus Hippocampus(Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) with descriptions of nine new species. Records of the Australian Museum. 53(3): 293-340.