Longsnout Seahorse

Black-Brown Longsnout Seahorse

The Longsnout Seahorse has a long snout and a body that ranges in color from yellow to reddish-orange, brown, or black, and may also be two-toned. Its body and head are covered in small black spots, and its dorsal fin has a pale edge. Males have a round, bulging lower belly that gives them a D-shape, while females have a slimmer, narrower body that resembles a P-shape.

This Seahorse is usually found alone, and sometimes in pairs. It can be seen in shallow waters or on the reef, where it holds on to Gorgonians, Coral, or Sponges with its grasping tail. It is not shy and typically remains still when approached, sometimes turning its head away. The Longsnout Seahorse is a stealthy predator, using its long snout like a pipette to suction up tiny crustaceans, which it hunts throughout the day. A unique aspect of its reproduction is that the female deposits her eggs into a pouch just below the male’s abdomen. The male fertilizes the eggs and carries them until they hatch and are released as fully formed juveniles. They are typically monogamous, meaning a pair will mate for life.