Jayakar's Seahorse

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).