AnAustralian pipehorse?

[Allison Finch]

A friend from Sydney Australia, Ian Hitto, sent me this incredible photo. Neither of us can identify it. He shot it at Wollongong Island at the Pinnacle. He said it was approx. 1/2 inch in size. It is shaped like a pipefish, but has a prehensile tail like a seahorse. Is it one of the pipehorses?

BTW, he gave me permission to post the pic here.

 

[Gudge]

Tell your friend to contact Dave Harasti:

http://www.daveharasti.com/photographer/photographer.htm

He's the Australian guru on seahorses, he should be able to give you an answer.

 

[almitywife]

ohhhhhh - very nice! ive only just found my first pipehorse earlier this year. and yep, Dave H is da' horse man!

 

[Allison Finch]

Found it. It is a Sydney's pipehorse. Not easy to find. I am soo envious!

 

[almitywife]

i was VERY excited when i first found them and ive been diving for nearly 10 years

some marine info on the little critters;
http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/ilumnitzeri.htm

cheers