Author: Kuiter, 2001
FBname: Monte Bello seahorse
Remark: Kuiter described the species (2001) and endorsed it subsequently (2009) separating it from <i>Hippocampus zebra</i> Whitley, 1964, while Lourie (in two publications in 2016) synonymized it with the latter species. We chose to assign an uncertain status because probably it is a case of sibling species (Kuiter) while we recognized a lack of clear evidence (Lourie) to separate them. Genetic studies have to be performed to take a documented decision.
Comments: Found on the continental shelf (Ref. 75154).  Holotype caught at the surface, clinging to <i>Sargassum</i> fragment (Ref. 42735).  Maximum length is based on a straight-line length measurement from upper surface (ignoring spines) of first trunk ring, to tip of tail (Ref. 42735).  Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205).  The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205).