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Hippocampus bargibanti
Also known as Bargibant's Seahorse and Miniature Seahorse, these mimetic creatures are effectively camouflaged by their host, the Gorgonian sea fan. The camouflage and size of these seahorses make them extremely difficult to see. They feed on their host coral, and grow to a length of about 1-2cm.
Found singly or in small groups only on Gorgonian corals of the genus Muricella (sea fans). They are found at depths of 16 to 40m, all across the Pacific Ocean.
Diving off the northern coast of Talikud Island (dive site: Dapia Wall), we found a pair of Bargibanti's pygmies on a sea fan at around 20m, and then another pair at 27m!
Spotted on Jan 14, 2012
Submitted on Jan 15, 2012
12 Comments
Thanks, AnaCristina! :)
Wonderful!!!
Thanks very much, Hans and Melissa!!
I was so awed by your pictures I had to check out your website too. Amazing photographs!!! :)
i like this sp is supernatural
Thanks, madasamarinebiologist! Yes, diving in Mindanao is spectacular indeed. You should try it soon. :)
Gorgeous, hope to make it to Davao someday! I bet Mindanao has spectacular diving!
Thanks, Lindsey! Most of my photos are from the Davao Gulf in the Philippines.
Thanks, Gerardo!
Another grate series Blogie
Congratulations
Thanks Karen! Yeah, very difficult to spot. If I'm not mistaken, the pygmy seahorse is like the holy grail among diver-photographers.
Great series! I imagine these are pretty hard to spot with their great camouflage!