Attention: The elevators will be down from November 15 to 27 for maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please note: The Harbor View Café is closed for renovations until after Thanksgiving. Learn more about on-site dining options here.
Dwarf Seahorse
Hippocampus zosterae
In the fascinating world of dwarf seahorses, the males carry the eggs, and adults can change their color to communicate or blend in with the surrounding environment.
Animal Facts
Size
.08 to two inches long
Diet
Primarily crustaceans, especially shrimp
Lifespan
About one year
Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, including Bermuda, southern Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico
Conservation Status
Least concern
Threats to Survival
- Commercial trade
- Climate change
- Habitat loss
The Big Challenges of Dwarf Seahorses
According to Guinness World Records, the dwarf seahorse is the slowest moving fish, with a top speed of about five feet per hour! Unfortunately, that makes them easy to catch, both accidentally by fishermen and on purpose for commercial trade. You can help protect these fascinating fish by supporting environmentally responsible fishers and avoiding purchasing seahorses.
Raising Dwarf Seahorses
Join Aquarist Rachel at the Aquarium's Animal Care Center in Quincy to learn about our breeding program for dwarf seahorses. Hear about courtship rituals, seahorse fry, and the unique role of male seahorses in reproduction.
