New Seahorse Species Found in Bycatch Is Named After Marine Biologist Who Overlooked It
Learn how DNA evidence, physical traits, and museum specimens revealed a new Indian Ocean seahorse long mistaken for another species.
In Tuticorin harbor, southern India, marine biologist Amanda Vincent discovered a previously unrecognized seahorse species among the bycatch or unintentionally caught animals. Named Hippocampus amandavincentae, the species was initially misidentified as the thorny seahorse, Hippocampus histrix. Vincent, director of Project Seahorse, expressed her delight at the recognition, noting the seahorse had been hiding in plain sight.
The new species, measuring about 6.3 inches (16 centimeters), features a unique coronet of five spines above its head and a shorter snout compared to H. histrix. Found primarily in southeastern India, the species may inhabit much of the Indian Ocean, along with closely related Hippocampus jayakari. The reclassification adjusts the distribution of these species, potentially requiring a reassessment of museum specimens and online records.
This find underscores Vincent's dedication to seahorse conservation which includes pioneering underwater field studies and advocating for the animals' protection.
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