In conjunction with seahorse day, we are exhibiting parents and young spotted seahorses.
At Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, we are undertaking a breeding program for spotted seahorses due to population decline of this species worldwide.
 

≪Spotted seahorse≫
Scientific name：Hippocampus kuda

Inhabits seaweed beds near the coast. They assume an upright position by wrapping their tail around seaweed. They feed on crustaceans and small fish by sucking them into their mouth. Females lay eggs in the male’s ventral brood pouch during May. Pups hatch and come out from the male’s ventral brood pouch.

Place of exhibit

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium“Small Life in the Coral Reef”

Exhibit duration

July 7th 2024～
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

 

Populations of spotted seahorses are declining due to habitat degradation, by-catch and over-fishing. The spotted seahorse is now designated as endangered species listed on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as well as under the regulation of the Conservation on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.