A case of mistaken identity: skin filaments are unreliable for identifying Hippocampus guttulatus and Hippocampus hippocampus |
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| Authors: | J M R Curtis |
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| Institution: | Project Seahorse, Fisheries Centre, Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory, 2202 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 Canada |
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| Abstract: | The presence or absence of skin filaments is an unreliable character for identifying European seahorses. Growth of skin filaments on Hippocampus guttulatus coincides with maturation, while presence on Hippocampus hippocampus is highly variable. Multiple morphological traits including snout, head and trunk shape should be used for identification. |
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| Keywords: | European seahorses Hippocampus ramulosus species identification |
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