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Thorny seahorse found near Tuticorin

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUNELVELI, AUG. 3. Scientists of the Fisheries College and Research Institute at Tuticorin have recorded a new species of Hippocampus histrix, known as `thorny seahorse,' for the first time on the Indian coast.

In all, 35 species of seahorses have been reported across the globe.

The one recorded now was collected recently on the Kaswari Island, near Tuticorin, at a depth of 15 metres by T. Vaitheeswaran, senior research fellow working on an ICAR research programme.

According to V.K. Venkataramani, professor and principal investigator, four species of the genus Hippocampus — Hippocampus kuda, H. trimaculatus, H. kelloggi and H. fuscus — have been reported to occur in the Gulf of Mannar region. Hippocampus histrix is known to occur only in Indo-Pacific waters, Tanzania and from South Africa to Hawaii.

Two numbers of this species, which were collected, were females each measuring 10 and 10.50 cm and weighing 10 and 10.50 gm.

Dr. Venkataramani said the species was distinguished from others by a medium-size coronet, having four long and sharp spines and a prominent snout with a single cheek spine. Another prominent spine is present in front of the coronet. "Because of numerous spines present all over the body, this species is known as thorny seahorse."

The colour of Hippocampus histrix is generally yellow with spines ending in dark colours. The keel region has a black lining. It inhabits coral reefs, algae and seagrass beds and attains maturity in about 10 months. It grows to a length of 10-12 cm. The maximum length reported is 17 cm and its lifespan is 2-4 years.

Used in medicines

This species feeds on polyps, medusae and zooplankton in and around coral reefs and in seagrass beds. It has been used in the preparation of traditional medicines, particularly in China and Thailand for the past 600 years. Dried fish are also used in preparation of tonics.

According to R. Santhanam, dean of the college, the appearance of this species on the Indian coast could be due to seasonal monsoon currents in the coastal region and the rich presence of coral reef habitats in the Gulf of Mannar region.

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