Taxonomic notes: Section empty

Hippocampus debelius is known from only two specimens collected from the same locality in the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea. It is currently thought to be endemic, although there are areas adjacent to the Red Sea that are poorly known and may be part of this species' range (*********see Gomon and Kuiter 2009).

Corals in the Red Sea have undergone substantial declines for centuries (Pandolfi et al. 2003), and especially since 1998 (a 30% reduction in skeletal growth for one important reef-building species) as a result of increases in sea surface temperatures and ocean acidity (Cantin et al. 2010). 

The diet and ecological role of this species are unknown. Life history traits are also poorly known, although it is expected that the male carries eggs in a brood pouch similar to other seahorses.

Dedicated surveys for Hippocampus debelius have not been completed to date.  The species is only known from two confirmed specimens, and abundances are not known. Declines are inferred based on coral reef loss and degradation in the region (Pandolfi et al. 2003; Cantin et al. 2010).

There is no record of this species in trade.

Known threats facing Hippocampus debelius currently include habitat loss and degradation.  The only known habitat for this species is corals, which are undergoing continuous declines in the region due to climate change (rising SSTs and ocean acidification - Pandolfi et al. 2003; Cantin et al. 2010).  Other threats to coral reefs like pollution and sedimentation could exacerbate habitat degradation.

The species has not been reported as bycatch or in trade.

• 11.3 Temperature extremes
• 11.1 Habitat shifting & alteration
• 9.3.2 Soil erosion, sedimentation
• 9.3.1 Nutrient loads

All species of the genus Hippocampus are listed on CITES Appendix II, which mandates international trade regulation to ensure that this trade is not detrimental to wild populations. 

There is a protected area near the locality where Hippocampus debelius is known to occur, however it is not known whether the species occurs within its boundaries.

• 2.3 Habitat & natural process restoration
• 1.2 Resource & habitat protection
• 5.1.1 International level
• 5.2 Policies and regulations
• 5.3 Private sector standards & codes
• 5.4.1 International level
• 5.4.2 National level

Although Hippocampus debelius is known from only two specimens, the species is listed as Near Threatened.   No population or life-history information is available, however the species is only known to occur on coral reefs, which have declined substantially in the Red Sea and will continue to do so as climate changes. Specifically, corals in the Red Sea continue to decline as a result of high sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification. Even though very little data is available for this species, the Near Threatened assessment is considered conservative in that their coral habitats may well decline by more than 30%.

• Cantin, N. E., Cohen, A. L., Karnauskas, K. B., Tarrant, A. M. and McCorkle, D. C. 2010. Ocean warming slows coral growth in the Central Red Sea. Science 329(5989): 322-325.
• Gomon, M.F. and Kuiter, R.H. 2009. Two new pygmy seahorses (Teleostei: Syngnathidae: Hippocampus) from the Indo-West Pacific. International Journal of Ichthyology 15(1): 37-44.
• Pandolfi, J.M., Bradbury, R.H., Sala, E., Hughes, T.P., Bjorndal, K.A., Cooke, R.G., McArdle, D., McClenachan, L., Newman, M.J.H., Paredes, G., Warner, R.R. and Jackson, J.B.C. 2003. Global trajectories of the long-term decline of coral reef ecosystems. Science 301: 955-958.