The Australian Pot-Belly Seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis is known from south eastern Australia and can be found from northern New South Wales to Tasmania. This is a large seahorse species that grows to a maximum size of approximately 35 cm, the larger individuals are more commonly seen in the colder southern waters. There habitat preference varies from shallow seagrass areas and Ecklonia forests to deep sponge gardens reefs where they can be found living amongst the sponges. This species produces over 400 eggs per brood and has a natural life span of 7-10 years.
Note: The Australian Pot-Belly Seahorse Hippocampus Abdominalis is also referred to as Hippocampus bleekeri. The name Hippocampus bleekeri is how the species is referenced to in "Seahorses, Pipefishes & their relatives - A Comprehensive guide to Syngnathiformes" by Rudie Kuiter 2000.
