The Sad Seahorse (Hippocampus tristis) is a deep water seahorse species that belongs to the seahorse family known as syngnathidae. This species is found in deepwater off the southern Queensland coast, northern New South Wales and around Lord Howe Island. This species was originally described from specimens obtained from deep water trawls and also from beach-washed specimens (most likely brought up from trawls). The juveniles of this species are generally spiny compared to the adults that are smooth. This species varies in colour from orange/yellow to a greyish brown. The Sad Seahorse (Hippocampus tristis) grows to a maximum height of approximately 23cm.
The Sad Seahorse is rarely seen by scuba divers; these photos are the only known images of this species underwater. These photos were taken by my friend Chris Holman on a dive at Julian Rocks in July 2004. I was also on this dive however I unfortunately missed the opportunity to photograph it.
The identification of this species was provided by Rudie Kuiter who has written the excellent book “Seahorses, Pipefishes and their relatives: A comprehensive guide to Syngnathiformes – 2000”.
