Lined Seahorse Hippocampus erectus

The Lined Seahorse is native to vegetated, coastal waters of the western Atlantic (seagrass, seaweed, mangroves) from northeastern USA to the Caribbean (Venezuela). They grow to 15cm long and can move their eyes independently, like a chameleon. Basic colour varies from yellow, orange, grey, green, brown and black. Juveniles are rough and spiny. The adult develops fine banding on its neck and chest.

They are diurnal, monogamous and pairs perform a dance-like sequence together every morning. Like other seahorses, the male carries the eggs (deposited in his pouch by his female partner) and cares for the young. If one loses a mate, they rarely form another partnership. Populations are classed as vulnerable through fishing (intentional for Chinese medicine, souvenirs and the aquarium trade as well as unintentional bycatch) and habitat degradation (destruction by dredging/trawling as well as pollution).