The longsnout seahorse has an elongated body with a distinctive head resembling that of a horse, earning it the nickname « sea horse ». Its long snout could also give it the nickname « Cyrano of the seas ».

When its tail is fully extended, the longsnout seahorse measures around 6 inches. With colors ranging from white, yellow and red to black, the seahorse has a true talent for camouflage. If its body is covered with algae, it becomes even harder to spot.

The seahorse's body consists of several bony rings, resembling a true armor.

The longsnout seahorse is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic ocean, from northern Florida to Venezuela and Brazil to the south. It is also present in the Caribbean sea, in the reefs surrounding the Caribbean islands and the Gulf of Mexico.

It is most often found in shallow tropical waters, ranging from 16 to 65 feet deep, and sometimes up to 180 feet. It camouflages itself among seagrasses, sponges or gorgonians, wrapping its tail around these structures.

The longsnout seahorse is a sedentary animal and moves very little due to its limited locomotion abilities.

The longsnout seahorse primarily feeds on plankton and small crustaceans.

The longsnout seahorse lives in pairs with a single female, practicing monogamy. The male is distinguished from the female by the presence of a brood pouch where he carries the fertilized eggs. After an incubation period of about 2 weeks, the baby seahorses emerge from the pouch and become independent.

The male seahorse is a true « hands-on » parent ! Uncommon in nature, he carries the eggs until the baby seahorses are born !

Initially classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, its status was reviewed in 2003 and downgraded due to insufficient data. Nevertheless, its trade has been regulated by CITES since 2002 and the seahorse is listed in Appendix II, which includes species that, while not necessarily currently endangered, could become so if their trade is not closely controlled.

Highly sought after for marine aquariums, traditional medicine or sold dried as souvenirs, the seahorse is in high demand !

The longsnout seahorse is classified as a threatened species by the American Fisheries Society (AFS).

Small, stationary, and camouflaged in its environment, the seahorse is very difficult to spot while diving ! Patience is required or it's best to dive with a local guide who knows the dive site and its associated wildlife !

Once you master your buoyancy—so as not to damage the seabed—the rest is easier, as the seahorse is a poor swimmer and doesn’t move much ! Therefore, you won’t have difficulty observing it !