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| Figure 2. In-situ photographs A Hippocampus bargibanti on Muricella sp. 3 (RMNH Coel. 39866, see Fig. 7), Turtles Reef, Raja Ampat (photo F.R. Stokvis) B Hippocampus denise on Annella reticulata (RMNH Coel. 39880, see Fig. 10); W Mansuar, Raja Ampat (photo B.W. Hoeksema) C Hippocampus pontohi (host not collected) Timur I, Bunaken (photo S.E.T. van der Meij) D Hippocampus severnsi (host not collected) Siladen I, SE Siladen (photo B.T. Reijnen). |
Abstract
An overview of the octocoral and hydrozoan host species of pygmy seahorses is provided based on literature records and recently collected field data for Hippocampus bargibanti, Hippocampus denise and Hippocampus pontohi. Seven new associations are recognized and an overview of the so far documented host species is given. A detailed re-examination of octocoral type material and a review of the taxonomic history of the alcyonacean genera Annella (Subergorgiidae) and Muricella (Acanthogorgiidae) are included as baseline for future revisions. The host specificity and colour morphs of pygmy seahorses are discussed, as well as the reliability of (previous) identifications and conservation issues.
Keywords: Acanthogorgiidae, Alcyonacea, Annella, Anthozoa, Hippocampus, host specificity, Hydrozoa, Indo-Pacific, Muricella, new associations, Octocorallia, Subergorgiidae
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| Figure 13. A rare occurrence, Hippocampus denise on Muricella sp. 2 (RMNH Coel. 39873) at Raja Ampat (photo F.R. Stokvis). |
Bastian T. Reijnen, Sancia E.T. van der Meij, Leen P. van Ofwegen. 2011. Fish, Fans and Hydroids: Host Species of Pygmy Seahorses. ZooKeys. 103: 1–26. DOI: 10.3897/ZooKeys.103.953
