Softcoral Seahorse

Hippocampus debelius, commonly referred to as the softcoral seahorse, is a marine fish species belonging to the family Syngnathidae. This species is known from only two specimens collected from the Gulf of Suez in the 🌊 Red Sea, found at depths ranging from 15 to 30 meters (49–98 feet). Observed in association with soft corals, the species is presumed to have a diet consisting mainly of crustaceans, akin to other seahorse species. Additionally, H. debelius is believed to be ovoviviparous, with males carrying eggs in a brood pouch until live offspring are born.

The collected specimens measured approximately 2.4 centimeters (0.94 inches) in length. Notable morphological features include a medium-sized snout with a bulbous tip, a low, angular coronet, and elongated slender spines on the head, trunk, and tail, which exhibit dark brown or black tips.

The specific epithet, debelius, is a tribute to Helmut Debelius, a naturalist from Frankfurt am Main, Germany, renowned for his extensive publications on marine life. Notably, Debelius initially embarked on his professional life as a policeman.