Hippocampus denise

The species, Hippocampus denise, is no longer than 16 millimeters (about six-tenths of an inch) from its snout to the tip of its tail, though some pregnant males as small as 13 millimeters in length have been recorded. In fact, it was so small that seahorse experts had previously believed it to be the young of the next smallest species, Hippocampus bargibanti, adults of which are at least 50 percent bigger. The tiny orange-colored animal is found in coral reefs surrounding idyllic eastern Indonesian islands. Not only is it the smallest seahorse yet described, but also falls amongst the ranks of the world's most miniature vertebrates.Raja Ampat, Indonesia.Equipment: Nikon D300, 105mm VR, Subsee Adapater, Sea and Sea YS-250.
Photocomp June '10 - Open

Contributed by J_deGuzman

2010-06-26

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