New Holland seahorse

Appearance

"H. whitei" is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of 13 centimetres. Distinctive characteristics include a narrow head, moderate to high coronet, a long snout, moderately sized spines above the eyes, and low single or double cheek spines. Further spines on the body can be quite variable, ranging from low and rounded to moderately developed and sharp.

Individuals of this species are generally pale to dark brown or black, although some are entirely yellow. Often, they have pale, saddle-like markings at the first, fourth and eighth trunk rings, and on tail rings with enlarged spines. The underside of the snout typically has fine bars and dusky lines which get broader near the eyes. The nasal spine and surrounding area is pale.

Distribution

Population information for "H. whitei" is available from two estuaries in Australia: Port Stephens and Port Jackson. Surveys in Port Stephens indicate a steep decline in "H. whitei" abundance, with two site surveys estimating 95–98% population decline from 2006-2015. This trend has been correlated with significant declines in preferred seahorse habitat. Population surveys in Port Jackson also indicate a decline, with a site survey estimating 40% population decline from 2008-2015. Based on the available survey data, it is expected that overall population declines of 50–70% have occurred.

Status

"H. whitei" is protected under the New South Wales Fisheries Management Act, and all Hippocampus species are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which regulates the legal import and export of seahorses.

Habitat

"H. whitei" inhabits shallow, weedy inshore areas, usually at depths of 1–25 metres. Its natural habitats include "Zostera" seagrass beds, sponges, kelp holdfasts, macroalgae, and corals, but it can also be found under jetties and on other anthropogenic structures, such as shark nets. Evidence from Port Stephens indicates that juveniles prefer gorgonian habitats, while adults prefer "sponges" and "soft coral" habitats. This species is known to show a preference for more complex habitats, likely because their camouflage is more effective in these environments, making avoiding predators easier. Additionally, prey of "H. whitei" are significantly more abundant in complex habitats, increasing food availability. Observed increases in the use of artificial habitats by "H. whitei" are likely driven by the continued loss of their natural habitats.

Reproduction

"H. whitei" is an ovoviviparous species, with females using an ovipositor to transfer eggs into a male's brood pouch, where they are fertilized and protected until the male gives birth to live young. Males may brood 100–250 embryos at a time, and after a three-week gestation period, give birth to about 150 young. Males brood several times a season. Newborns are about 8.5 millimetres long and morphologically similar to adults. They grow rapidly and are able to reproduce early. This species displays strong site fidelity and seasonal monogamous mating.

Food

This carnivorous species feeds on small crustaceans such as harpacticoid, caprellid and cyclopoid copepods, gammarid amphipods, caridean shrimp, and mysids, similar to other seahorse species.

Predators of "H. whitei" include invertebrates, fishes, sea turtles, waterbirds and marine mammals. Most of the species’ predators are considered generalist feeders, suggesting that "H. whitei" are not targeted as prey.

Predators

The major threat experienced by "H. whitei" is habitat loss. This species occurs along some of the most highly populated estuaries in Australia, in which habitats tend to be the most impacted by coastal development, pollution, destructive boat anchoring and sedimentation. Impacts are likely amplified by the species’ site fidelity and specific habitat preferences.

Since this species is protected in Australia, there has been no reported legal trade of them in the last five years. Small numbers caught in bycatch may be illegally traded, but this is not thought to pose a significant conservation threat.