Hippocampus ingens

Scientific Name: Hippocampus ingens Girard, 1858

Common Name(s): Pacific giant seahorse; pacific seahorse; caballito del Pacifico (Spanish, Mexico)

Synonyms: Hippocampus ecuadorensis Fowler, 1922 (synonym); Hippocampus gracilis Gill, 1862 (synonym); Hippocampus hildebrandi Ginsburg, 1933 (synonym)

The Pacific Seahorse is one of the largest species known, ranging from 8" to 12" in length. They are closely related to H. reidi and are often confused with them. Distinguishing characteristics are a larger, bulkier, taller, tilted-back coronet, more tail rings (35 on H. reidi vs. 39 on H. ingens), and more prominent cheek spines. This species sports spectacular variations in coloration and markings, which can also confuse identification attempts. H. ingens is one of the few pelagic seahorses, evidenced by findings of their carcasses in the stomachs of both Pacific blue-fin and yellow-fin tuna. Their diet consists of crustaceans much like typical seahorses, however as they mature, they reach a size that allow them to prey on small fish.