This particularly handsome species is named after prominent fleshy spines which run down the back of the neck. With significant variation in colour, from greenish-yellow to reddish-brown, the spiny seahorse mimics the colour of the surrounding habitat. The body is also frequently patterned with various dots and splodges. Like other seahorses, the spiny seahorse has a long snout and a prehensile tail. They hunt by waiting motionless in the water until prey passes close by their mouth. With a rapid intake of water, the seahorse sucks the prey into its long snout.

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The spiny seahorse has been reported to produce broods of up to 581 young.


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