Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species may be widespread in the western Pacific Ocean (Lourie and Randall 2003).

Section empty

Very little is known about the ecology of this species. It is one of the smallest seahorse species, measuring less than 2 cm in height (Lourie and Randall 2003). It has a specific habitat, being found only on gorgonian corals Annella reticulata, Muricella and Echinogorgia, at depths ranging from 13–90 m (Lourie and Randall 2003).

Section empty

Major threats to the species are currently unknown, however their small size and attractive colouration makes it possible they could be collected for the aquaria trade.

The entire genus Hippocampus was listed in Appendix II of CITES in November 2002. Implementation of this listing will begin May 2004. Further research on this species biology, ecology, habitat, abundance, and distribution is needed.

• 4.3 Awareness & communications

There are no published data about population trends or total numbers of mature animals for this species. Information about its extent of occurrence or its area of occupancy is limited to a handful of sightings. There have been no quantitative analyses examining the probability of extinction of this species. As a result, we have insufficient data to properly assess the species against any of the IUCN criteria, and propose a listing of data deficient (DD).

• Lourie, S.A. and Randall, J.E. 2003. A new pygmy seahorse, Hippocampus denise (Teleostei: Syngnathidae), from the Indo-Pacific. Zoological Studies 42(2): 284-291.