The Spectacular Spiny Seahorse

Name (Scientific): Hippocampus Guttulatus

Name (Common): Europe's Seahorse, Long-Snouted Seahorse, Maned Seahorse, Many Branched Seahorse, Speckled Seahorse

Appearance: Spiny Seahorse have a long snout and a prehensile tail. There skin can be any colour and changes to match that of their environment. They can also have dots and splotches covering their skin.

Distribution and Habitat:

The Spiny Seahorse can be found living in sea beds and shallow seas in and amongst the Mediterranean and the United Kingdom.

Interesting Facts:

-The spiny Seahorse is an ambush predator. It waits still in the water for its prey to pass by its mouth then intakes a quick rush of water to catch the prey.

-The Spiny Seahorse uses camoflage

-The seahorse has fleshy spines growing down its neck, hence the name

References: Arkive BBC

Photographer: Scott Tuason