Image of: Hippocampus abdominalis (large seahorse)
ADW: seahorse_15.jpg
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Location
aquarium specimen, not recorded
Caption
This male pot-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) seems to have a coloration scheme like a giraffe. Unlike many other seahorses, potbellies seem to have smooth, waxy skin, without the deep pores or rough texture characteristic of some species. Many casual observers seeing a group of potbellies think they must be all be pregnant males. The bloated appearance is normal for both the male and female, though mature males have a prominent, usually white brood pouch, and more dark blotches. A brood may number from an average of about 300 to as many as 700 offspring. Gestation varies with temperature, but averages around 28 days.
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