Hippocampus jugumus Kuiter, 2001
Collared seahorse
Hippocampus jugumus
photo by Kuiter, R.H.

Family:  Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae
Max. size:  4.4 cm OT (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine, non-migratory
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: Known from a single specimen from Lord Howe Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-20. Trunk rings 12; tail rings 37; subdorsal spines 4/0,1,1,1,1; nose spine moderately large, height about equal to pupil diameter; double spine above eyes moderately long, slightly longer than pupil diameter; lateral head spine double and large; coronet slightly raised; gill openings extending upwards, almost joined at neck ridge; shoulder rings confluent over neck-ridge forming continuous collar (Ref. 42735).
Biology:  Probably pelagic (Ref. 42735). Maximum length is based on a straight-line length measurement from upper surface (ignoring spines) of first trunk ring, to tip of tail (Ref. 42735). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 July 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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