Sunday 19 May
Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis)
Knysna seahorse fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Knysna seahorse description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Syngnathiformes |
| Family | Syngnathidae |
| Genus | Hippocampus (1) |
The Knysna seahorse is the most endangered seahorse in the world (3). It possesses the characteristic seahorse shape and the body is encased in a series of bony rings (4). This small, delicate creature is a mottled greenish brown colour, sometimes with scattered dark spots (3). The snout is relatively short and the neck arches in a smooth curve without a crown (2). The tail is muscular and is used to grasp a mate during courtship, or as an anchor to the substrate (2).
- Size
- Length: 5.3 - 11.2 cm (2)
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Knysna seahorse biology
Seahorses have a remarkable method of reproduction; the female transfers her eggs into the male's pouch during mating. The eggs are fertilised within the pouch and embryos develop, embedded in the tissue lining the pouch wall of the 'pregnant' male (2). For the Knysna seahorse, the gestation period is around 2 - 3 weeks after which time the male ejects his offspring who are then extremely vulnerable, receiving no further parental care (2).
Seahorses have no teeth and no stomach, using camouflage to ambush prey, they then swallow items whole (2). They are not particularly mobile creatures, being propelled forward only with the dorsal fin(2).
TopKnysna seahorse range
Endemic to South Africa, this species has the smallest-known geographic range of any seahorse (5). The best-known population is found in the estuary from which this species gets its name, the Knysna Estuary, but it additionally occurs in 3 other estuaries that are also situated along the south coast of South Africa (5).
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Species with a similar range
Knysna seahorse habitat
This bottom-dwelling creature is found in bays and estuaries, at depths of between 50 cm and 20 metres; associated with submerged vegetation (2).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Knysna seahorse status
Classified as Endangered (EN - B1+2c+3d) on the IUCN Red List 2002 (1).
Knysna seahorse threats
The highly restricted range and fragmented population of this species make the Knysna seahorse particularly vulnerable to exploitation and habitat damage (1). The 'garden route' area of South Africa is becoming increasingly developed and this is having a detrimental effect on the population (6). This species is the only seahorse that has so far been identified to be primarily at risk from habitat damage (5).
TopKnysna seahorse conservation
The Knysna seahorse is protected in South Africa and may only be collected with a permit (3). Further research into population distribution and the behaviour of the species is urgently needed before an effective conservation action plan can be implemented.
|
View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
Find out more
For more information see Project Seahorse:
http://www.projectseahorse.org/
Authentication
Authenticated (22/10/02) by Sarah Foster. Research Biologist, Project Seahorse.
http://www.projectseahorse.org
Glossary
- Dorsal fin
- In fish, the unpaired fin found on the back of the body.
- Endemic
- A species or taxonomic group that is only found in one particular country or geographic area.
References
- IUCN Red List (October, 2002) www.redlist.org
- Lourie, S.A., Vincent, A.C.J., and Hall, H.J. (1999) Seahorses; an identification guide to the world's species and their conservation. Project Seahorse, London
- Fishbase (August, 2002) http://www.fishbase.org
- Nelson, J.S. (1984) Fishes of the World (2nd edn) John Wiley & Sons Inc, New York.
- Foster, S. (Oct, 2002) Pers. comm.
- 'Your dot com for Africa' (August, 2002) http://www.marekinc.com/EnvirResourceRSA101801.html
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This species is endangered. Visit our endangered species page to learn more.
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Image credit
Knysna seahorses
© Professor Charles Griffiths
Professor Charles Griffiths
Zoology Department
University of Cape Town
Private Bag X3
Rondebosch 7701
South Africa
Tel: +27 (21) 650-3610
charles.griffiths@uct.ac.za
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