Marine life profile
Seahorses
Recorded at 1 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Seahorses 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.
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
Sightings map
Seahorses locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Frankton Pier
Australia
Frankston Pier Type: Shore Dive - Pier Depth: 0 - 5 metres Rating: Open Water Snorkel: Yes Night Dive: Yes Access: Either by shore under the pier or off the lower landing. Best Conditions: Easterly winds. Worst conditions westerly winds. Critters: Smooth Rays, Goatfish, Hulafish, Wrasses, Nudibranchs. Dangers: Fishermen, Boats, Jet Skiers, Kids jumping off the pier. Details: Has reef balls off the end of the pier.