Common seahorse  (Hippocampus kuda)

Found throughout South East Asia, Australia, Japan and some Pacific islands (including Hawaii). There is much confusion as to the taxonomy of this seahorse, and the name Hippocampus kuda has been widely applied to all non-spiny seahorses in the region, however further research is needed to fully understand the status of this seahorse (1). Surveys on seahorse trade carried out by Project Seahorse in 2000 and 2001 have shown that the populations of this species have declined throughout the entire range, with fishers reporting massive decreases (1).

Typically inhabits shallow waters, in estuaries, reefs and on mud slopes where there is seagrass or marine algae. They have also been found in open water and attached to drifting vegetation up to 20 km off shore (2).