Big Head Seahorse

Description: (based on 54 specimens): Adult height: 7.8-15.5 cm. Rings: 11 + 33-34 (32-35). Snout length: 2.2 (2.0-2.5) in head length. Dorsal fin rays: 18 (17-19) covering 2+1 rings. Pectoral fin rays: 16-17 (15-19). Coronet: medium height with 5 well developed sharp spines. Spines: well developed (blunt or sharp tips); usually low in neck region. Other distinctive characters: double sharp cheek spines; double spine below eye; prominent, sharp eye spine. Color pattern: body often covered in a net-like pattern of brown markings; snout with fine stripes; spines with a brown band towards their tip.

Male carries the eggs in a brood pouch (Ref. 205, 53335).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 1719

Found in algal reefs (Ref. 52034) of inshore waters (Ref. 75154).

Found in sheltered bays. Color varies from either white, orange or yellow with light patches and sometimes network of fine dark lines; also with narrow lines across snout. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 36642). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums; price category: unknown; price reliability: