---
title: Jayakar's Seahorse (Hippocampus jayakari)
scientific_name: Hippocampus jayakari
common_name: Jayakar's Seahorse
taxon: Seahorses
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2023-12-27T00:46:53.721Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Jayakar's Seahorse, Hippocampus jayakari, Seahorses, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/seahorses/jayakars-seahorse
---

# Jayakar's Seahorse (*Hippocampus jayakari*)

**Taxon:** Seahorses (*Hippocampus*)  
**Conservation Status:** LC - Least Concern  


Jayakar's seahorse (Hippocampus jayakari) is a species of coastal fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae. It is primarily found in the Western Indian Ocean, ranging from the Red Sea and Arabian Sea to the central coast of Pakistan. This species typically inhabits various habitats such as seagrass beds (such as Halophila spp.), algae, soft-bottom substrates, sponges, and rocky areas, with a maximum length of 14 centimetres (5.5 inches). While it can thrive at depths of up to 20 metres (66 feet), it is most commonly observed at depths of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 feet).

Feeding habits of Jayakar's seahorse consist of consuming small crustaceans, similar to other seahorse species. It exhibits ovoviviparity, with male seahorses carrying eggs in a specialized brood pouch until giving birth to live offspring. Sexual maturity is attained by individuals when they reach a length of 11 centimetres (4.3 inches). The specific epithet and common name of this seahorse pays tribute to the notable Indian physician, linguist, and ichthyologist Dr. Surgeon-Major Atmaram Sadashiv "Muscati" Jayakar (1844-1911).

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/seahorses/jayakars-seahorse)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*