Spatial distribution, substrate assemblages and size composition of sea horses (Family Syngnathidae) in the coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Four species of sea horses (Syngnathidae: Hippocampus ) were found in Peninsular Malaysia during a survey conducted between April and August 2001. These were Hippocampus trimaculatus , H. spinosissimus , H. kuda and H. kelloggi . All four species were found in the Straits of Malacca; two species ( H. trimaculatus and H. spinosissimus ) in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea; and three species: H. trimaculatus , H. spinosissimus and H. kuda in the south coast, Straits of Johor. There were habitat and depth separations by species. Hippocampus trimaculatus , which was found throughout the coastal waters of the Peninsular, were reported to inhabit chiefly among gorgonians at approximately 20–40 m depth. The habitat and depth in H. spinosissimus were rather similar to that of H. trimaculatus ; but the former species was less widespread in the west coast. Hippocampus kuda was confined to shallow water between 1 to 3 m, and was found in seaweeds and sea grass meadows in a few estuaries; whereas H. kelloggi inhabited gorgonians and sea whips in deep-water below 65 m. Mean standard lengths are given. No sexual size dimorphism was detected in any of the species.