diving.voyage
Seahorse

Marine life profile

Seahorse

Recorded at 76 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Seahorse around the world

A seahorse (also written sea-horse and sea horse) is any of 46 species of small marine bony fish in the genus Hippocampus. It anchors to seagrass, coral or sponge and waits for tiny prey to drift within range.

Dive sites76
Countries27
Animal groupOther
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

An upright fish with a horse-like head, curled gripping tail and tiny fins that seem too small for the job.

How It Behaves

It anchors to seagrass, coral or sponge and waits for tiny prey to drift within range.

Special Ability

Its tube-shaped snout creates rapid suction, while each eye can scan independently.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Hold position without touching the animal or its perch. Avoid repeated flashes and never encourage it to swim.

Safety

Do not touch, feed or restrain wildlife. Give unfamiliar animals extra space and follow local guidance.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

The male carries developing young in a brood pouch and gives birth to fully formed miniature seahorses.

Where to Find

Search the habitat edges where food, shelter and water movement create the right conditions.

Known countries

AustraliaItalyBarbadosHondurasUnited Arab EmiratesThailandJapanIndonesiaGrenadaSao Tome and PrincipeBulgariaPanamaRomaniaPhilippinesCroatiaCuracaoPortugal