• Location: Romblon Island

  • Depth: deeper water

  • Cover Photo: Hakan Basar

  • Original Name: Hippocampus denise, Lourie & Randall, 2003

The Santa Claus Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus denise) is not a distinct species, but an outstanding color form of Denise’s Pygmy Seahorse, which is mostly red with white spots. As the colors seem to be Christmas themed the nickname Santa Claus Pygmy Seahorse was born. This beautiful fish is one of our guests’ favorite subject for underwater macro photography. Please be careful when shooting these delicate fish.