Lined Common Nicknames: Lined seahorse, northern seahorse, spotted seahorse Scientific name: Hippocampus erectus

Field Markings: The lined seahourse’s body can sometimes Their bulbous, amorphous appear mottled and occasionally shows small light-colored spots. bodies make poor Size: Seahorse averages 6 inches or less, up to 7 inches long. swimmers, despite their fan- Habitat: Marine or brackish water with adequate vegetation, shaped and pectoral eelgrass beds, reefs fins. Seasonal Appearance: Spring thrug fall (migrate toward the shelf Its uniquely adapted tail is in winter) long and coiled in order to secure the to blades of , seaweed, or coral that are anchored on the bottom. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES AND Seahorses undertake a lengthy courtship involving clicks BEHAVIORS and other sound-making. They are among the few animal species Seahorses belong to practice monogamy, remaining with their mate for life. The to the family male broods the developing offspring in his pouch for two to , which three weeks. translates from Greek to “with jaw,” emphasizing Since they are very slow swimmers, lined seahorses rely on their long snouts. The camouflage to hide them from larger fish and other predators. seahorse’s body Additionally, their feeding strategy must compensate for their contains a series of inability to move quickly after prey. They draw in vast quantities ridges running length- of water with their elongated horselike mouth and their diet wise from head to consists of small such as and marine prehensile tail. worms. Additional support Relationship to People comes from the bony In some cultures, the seahorse is considered an aphrodisiac rings that bisect the and medicinally beneficial (for asthma, throat problems, infertility ridges across its body. and other health issues). Millions also are collected annually The coloration of from their native habitats around the world for exhibits. the lined seahorse is dependent upon the color of its The survival of Narragansett Bay line seahorses is dependent surroundings and may be dull grayish, olive green, brown, upon maintaining healthy eelgrass bed habitats. yellowish or brick red.

- 13 - R.I.S.A.A. / June, 2019