Largest species of seahorse
- Who
- Pot-bellied seahorse, Hippocampus abdominalis
- What
- 35 centimetre(s)
- Where
- Not Applicable
- When
- N/A
The largest species of seahorse is the pot-bellied, or big-belly, seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) which inhabits shallow waters around Australia and New Zealand. Adults can grow up to 35 centimetres (1 foot 2 inches) tall from head to tail tip, though the average is 18–28 centimetres (7–11 inches). Fully grown, this species weighs approximately 35 grams (1.2 ounces).
The big belly seahorse is notable for its enlarged and prominent abdomen, reminiscent of a pot belly. It is also one of the most sexually dimorphic species of seahorse: males are heavier, have longer tails and shorter snouts compared to females.
By contrast, the smallest seahorses on record is the Satomi's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus satomiae) which reaches head to tail lengths of only 13.8 millimetres (0.5 inches). It was only scientifically described in 2008 having been found in the waters off Borneo.