The dwarf seahorse is the third smallest seahorse species in the world. It is found in seagrass beds in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and the Caribbean.
Dwarf Seahorse
Hippocampus zosterae
Protection Status
CITES Appendix II
Quick Facts
Length
1 inch
Lifespan
1 year
Threats
Habitat loss,
Oil spills and energy exploration,
Harvesting
Region
Southeast
About the Species
The dwarf seahorse is the third smallest seahorse species in the world. It is found in seagrass beds in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and the Caribbean.
Population Status
The dwarf seahorse is not listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Read the 2020 Status Review Report (PDF, 90 pages)
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Actinopterygii | Order | Gasterosteiformes | Family | Syngnathidae | Genus | Hippocampus | Species | zosterae |
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Management Overview
In July 2020, NOAA Fisheries determined that the dwarf seahorse does not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.
Regulatory History
Key Actions and Documents
We, NOAA Fisheries, announced a 12-month finding and listing determination on a petition to list the dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. We have completed a status review of the dwarf…
Published
Documents
Document
Population Viability Analysis of the Dwarf Seahorse in Florida
Technical memorandum provides a population viability analysis that evaluates the status of dwarf…
Document
Proceedings of the International Workshop on CITES Implementation for Seahorse Conservation and Trade, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-35 Workshop Date: February 3-5, 2004