Hippocampus zosterae
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Hippocampus zosterae |
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| Jordan & Gilbert , 1882 |
Hippocampus zosterae even Pygmy seahorse called, is 4 centimeters body length one of the smaller representatives of the family of pipefish .
Appearance
The animals have the physique typical of this family with the vertical, standing head and body as well as a curly tail. Furthermore, only have very short fins on the belly. They have a short, elongated fin crest on the head and the base of the tail.
Distribution and way of life
The species occurs in the western Atlantic of Florida , the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean . They are only very slow swimmers and usually stay in the seagrass meadows near the coast up to a water depth of 10 meters. Their main food is crabs and larvae of other aquatic animals. The exact life expectancy is not known, a maximum age of approx. 1 year has been determined.
Reproduction
During the breeding season from February to October, the female lays 50 or more eggs, which are then stowed in a breast pocket by the male.
Hazards and protective measures
Since the population development of this type and the extraction from nature for z. B. aquariums is strictly regulated and also occurs in marine protected areas, the species is not yet threatened and is therefore listed by the IUCN in the category ( Least Concern ) safe.
literature
- The great world empire of the animals Page: 542, 543 Publisher: Planet Media AG, Zug 1992, ISBN 3-8247-8614-1
Web links
- Hippocampus zosterae on Fishbase.org (English)
- Hippocampus zosterae inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018.1. Posted by: Masonjones, H., Hayashida-Boyles, A. & Pollom, R., 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2018.