Location: Romblon Island
Depth: shallow / medium depth
Cover Photo: Lenny Kim
Original Name: Hippocampus pontohi, Lourie & Kuiter, 2008 (previously: Hippocampus severnsi, Lourie & Kuiter, 2008)
Type: Romblon Fish
Group: Pygmy Seahorses | Seahorses
Family: Syngnathidae
The Dark Hippocampus pontohi (Severn’s Pygmy Seahorse) is a type of seahorse, previously known as Hippocampus severnsi is free-living in the reef and has a typical coloration: mostly brown with red and orange patches and a white tail. The species Hippocampus severnsi was merged with Hippocampus pontohi a few years ago although “Severn’s pygmy seahorse” has distinctive markings and can easily be distinguished from Hippocampus pontohi (mostly white and yellow in color). They are around 1.7 cm and can be seen when diving with our experienced spotters.