The iSeahorse featured observation for June comes to us from the island of Negros in the Central Philippines. Anna Pfotenhauer managed to snap this great photo of Barbour’s seahorse (Hippocampus barbouri) in just 3 metres of water.

This majestic-looking species primarily inhabits seagrasses, and like other seahorses it feeds on small crustaceans by sneaking up on them and using its modified mouth and jaws to suck up prey. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as a result of habitat loss and being caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries. Research carried out by Project Seahorse indicates that the species is in substantial decline.

It is hoped that programs like iSeahorse will raise awareness of the threats to this and other species so that appropriate conservation actions can take place. Thanks again to Anna for posting this observation!

Want to receive all the latest news from iSeahorse and Project Seahorse? Join our quarterly newsletter today!

(We respect your privacy and won’t share your email address with other organizations or individuals.)