Big-bellied Seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis

The Big-bellied Seahorse, also called the Pot-bellied and Big Belly Seahorse, is native to southeastern Australia and New Zealand.

As its name indicates, it has a disproportionately large belly - especially the male who broods the eggs in his belly pouch. It has spines above the eyes and a fairly long dorsal fin for a seahorse.

It is among the largest seahorses, growing to some 35cm (14 inches) long. Colour and markings vary and some have facial or head fronds and some are smooth.

Diet is tiny crustaceans and plankton sucked up by the long snout.