Pygmy Seahorse

ocean · tiny creatures · coral reef

Impossibly tiny. Pygmy seahorses are less than 2 centimetres tall, making them some of the smallest seahorse species on Earth. They are so small they can hide in coral branches.

Coral Triangle home. These miniature seahorses live in the Coral Triangle area of Southeast Asia, where coral reefs are full of hiding spots and food.

Fused-jaw feeders. Pygmy seahorses belong to a special group of fish called Syngnathiformes that have fused jaws shaped like tubes. They use these tube mouths to suck tiny food right into their bellies.

Masters of camouflage. Being so small and living in colorful coral, pygmy seahorses are experts at hiding from bigger fish that might eat them.