May's featured iSeahorse observation: H. kuda by Victoria_Carberry

Dear iSeahorse friends,

Our May observation of the month comes from Negros, Philippines. Victoria_carberry spotted this common seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) on a sandy bottom.

Making its home in shallow waters up to eight metres deep, H. kuda is found in seagrass beds, mangrove forests, muddy bottoms, and shallow reef flats everywhere from the Pacific, through Asia, all the way to the Middle East.

Despite its large natural range, the species faces numerous threats. It's one of the most-traded species for traditional Chinese medicine, aquarium display, and curios.

Other threats include incidental catch by trawlers and other fisheries and by habitat destruction caused by coastal development. It's listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Thanks to Victoria for posting!

The iSeahorse Team

Posted on June 1, 2015 05:54 PM by projectseahorse projectseahorse

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