Long-snouted seahorse

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This distinctively shaped fish has a rigid body covered in bony plates. Its long tubular snout gives it a characteristic appearance. Its colour varies from brown to yellow, sometimes with reddish shades, and it often has small pale patterns or mottling. Skin filaments may be present on the head and body, enhancing camouflage in seagrass meadows. Its prehensile tail allows it to grip vegetation and remain motionless in the current. Swimming is powered by a small dorsal fin that beats very quickly, limiting its movement speed.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is mainly encountered in seagrass meadows, particularly Posidonia meadows, but also in algae-rich areas or on mixed sandy and rocky substrates. It generally frequents shallow coastal waters, where it finds both refuge and food.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds on small planktonic prey and microcrustaceans. Its technique relies on rapid suction: it captures prey by sucking them in through its tube-shaped snout without chewing.