Common Seahorse
Hippocampus kuda
Hippocampus kuda is a species of seahorse known by several common names.
estuary seahorseyellow seahorse
Species Guide
What to know about common seahorses
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
Hippocampus kuda is a species of seahorse. It is known by common names including common seahorse, estuary seahorse, yellow seahorse, and spotted seahorse. The name "sea pony" has been used for populations formerly treated as the separate species Hippocampus fuscus, which is now considered a synonym of H. kuda.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Phuket, Bonaire, Bunaken and Manado (North Sulawesi) and countries such as Thailand, Australia, Croatia for divers building trips around common seahorses.
Responsible Encounters
How to dive with common seahorses
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Give common seahorse space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with seahorses and pipefishes.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
