Animal Spotlight
Pot-Bellied Seahorse
Hippocampus abdominalis
Small Mouths. Big Appetite.
Averaging a whopping 7-8 inches (and at times measuring up to 13 inches), the pot-bellied seahorse is one of the largest of all seahorse species. But while they might stand out against their smaller counterparts, like most seahorse species, they’re adept at camouflage and can change colors based on surroundings, diet, stress, mood, and possibly other factors.
With no teeth or true stomach, they use their straw-like mouths to suck in small shrimp and prey, which is quickly digested whole. Because of this unique trait, the Aquarium feeds seahorses three times a day, more than any other animal in residence.
Habitat
Rocky reefs and shallow waters among seagrass beds and algae in the southwest Pacific around Australia and New Zealand
Diet
Small crustaceans, such as amphipods and shrimps
Predators
Eels, diving birds, larger predatory fish, and humans
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Phylum
Chordata
Meet the Neighbors
Tucked away in our Reef Secrets gallery, the pot-bellied seahorse shares its home with an array of other species, including the dwarf seahorse.
Dwarf Seahorse
Dwarf seahorses are the slowest-moving fish, but that doesn’t stop them from greeting their mates with a daily dance.
Ready to Visit?
Come face-to-face with seahorses and colorful reef fish. Discover how these fascinating creatures eat, breed, and thrive.