Hippocampus guttulatus (Mediterranean hippocampus)

The hippocampus is devoid of scales, but has some bone plates which gives it this rough appearance. It moves vertically powered by pectoral and dorsal fins. The caudal is replaced by a prehensile tail. The eyes are mobile and independent.

The hippocampus guttulatus is a fish belonging to the family of Syngnathidae, which also includes clownfish and fishing fish. It is also known as the starred starfish or fish-hippocampal with starred spots due to its unique saddle shape and the presence of star stains on its body.

The hippocampus guttulatus is a small fish, generally reaching a maximum length of 15 cm. His body is elongated and compressed laterally, with a wide head and a protractile mouth with small teeth. The upper part of his body is generally gray-brown in color with starred cream or yellow stains, while the lower part is generally lighter.

The hippocampus guttulatus is a living fish mainly in the shallow waters of the hot seas, such as the Mediterranean and the Oriental Atlantic Ocean. He likes to hide in coral reefs, sea herbaries and wrecks, where he mainly feeds on small crustaceans and molluscs.

The hippocampus guttulatus is a very territorial fish, especially during the breeding period. The males build nests in which they place the eggs, then they protect them until they hatch. Young starfish fishing fish are very dependent on parental care and generally remain near the nest during the first weeks of their lives.

Because of its unique form and its territorial behavior, the hippocampus guttulatus is an interesting fish to observe in aquariums. However, it is also threatened in its natural habitat due to pollution, the destruction of coral reefs and excessive fishing.

The male has an incubator pocket absent from the female.

The female deposits the eggs (between 250 and 600) in the incubator pocket of the male, leaving him the care of the incubation alone. The incubation lasts between 16 to 20 days at 24-26 ° C. Sexual maturity around 6-7 months. Longevity: 3 years.