Animal Spotlight
Dwarf Seahorse
Hippocampus zosterae
Tiny, Slow-Moving Wonders
Growing to only about an inch long with a cylindrical coronet on its head, dwarf seahorses are the slowest-moving fish, with a top speed of about five feet per hour. Monogamous creatures, they start their day by greeting their mates with a little dance. Unlike other species, males carry and incubate the eggs, 3-16 at a time.
Dwarf seahorses don’t have stomachs or teeth, so they swallow their prey whole. They’re also masters of disguise, changing their skin color to blend in with their environment, hide from predators, communicate socially, defend their territories, or even court a mate.
Habitat
Coral reefs, mangroves, and ecosystem with a high volume of seagrass along the Caribbean, Atlantic Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico
Diet
Crustaceans, amphipods, and invertebrates
Predators
Large fish like tuna and dorado, skates, rays, crabs, and water birds
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Phylum
Chordata
Meet the Neighbors
Tucked away in our Reef Secrets gallery, the dwarf seahorse shares the gallery with an array of other species, including the pot-bellied seahorse.
Pot-Bellied Seahorse
Their ability to quickly digest meals whole makes this the most frequently fed resident at the Aquarium.
Ready to Visit?
Come face-to-face with seahorses and colorful reef fish. Discover how these fascinating creatures eat, breed, and thrive.