Seahorse with a light brown body, small white spots, and a curled tail.

Lined seahorse

Hippocampus erectus
Where at Shedd?
Plankton Revealed
Diet Small shrimp, prawns, and other crustaceans
Size Length: Up to 7.5 inches (19 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Western Atlantic Ocean 
Habitat Aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses, sponges, corals and mangroves 

Did you know?

  1. In order to better blend in with their surroundings, many species, including the lined seahorse, can change the texture of their skin to mimic algae or other vegetation.

  2. The word Hippocampus comes from the Greek words meaning horse and monster. It also refers to a mythical creature ridden by sea gods that is half horse and half fish.

  3. Mated pairs of seahorses perform graceful daily courtship dances which helps strengthen their bond.

  4. Instead of biting their food with teeth, seahorses use their long snouts like a straw to suck up small crustaceans like shrimp and plankton.

IUCN Red List Conservation Status

Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan®

This species is part of a program to support healthy, genetically diverse animal populations.