Hippocampus algiricus Kaup, 1856
West African seahorse
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  19.2 cm OT (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 25 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Central Atlantic: Western Sahara to Angola.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-18. Description: (based on 18 specimens): Adult height: 9.0-19.2 cm. Rings: 11 + 36 (35-37). Snout length: 2.4 (2.1-2.6) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 17-18 covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 16-17. Coronet: relatively low, rounded and overhanging at the back, flat-topped or with a slight depression. Spines: low, rounded bumps only. Other distinctive characters: body rings quite chunky; broad or almost double eye and cheek spines. Color pattern: may be covered with tiny white dots or larger brown spots.
Biology:  Length type refers to height (= TL - head length). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 22 November 2016 (A2cd+4cd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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