Hippocampus abdominalis

Scientific Name: Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson, 1827

Common Name(s): Big-belly seahorse; pot-bellied seahorse; manaia (Maori; New Zealand)

Synonyms: H. agnesæ Fowler 1907, (synonym); H. bleekeri Fowler 1907, (synonym); H. graciliformis McCulloch 1911, (synonym);

Description: Largest known seahorse. Low triangular coronet. White to yellow to brown. Variable mottled pattern from head to tail including trunk. Often has a mottled dorsal fin. Cirri may be present particularly above eyes. Body with a deep keel. Brood pouch is very prominent. Blunt spines. Tail may exhibit banding along length. Male brood pouch is very prominent and is usually white.