Field studies of seahorse population density, structure and habitat use in a semi-closed north-eastern Mediterranean marine area (Stratoni, North Aegean Sea)

J Fish Biol. 2020 Jul;97(1):314-317. doi: 10.1111/jfb.14371. Epub 2020 Jun 17.

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the marine area of Stratoni, Greece, where two seahorse species are present (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus). Two surveys were conducted (September 2016 and May 2019) to gather information regarding seahorse species' abundance, distribution and habitat characteristics. Four different seahorse natural and artificial habitat types were identified. The results revealed that the presence of H. hippocampus was relatively high, especially at sites with artificial structures, whereas the presence of H. guttulatus was rare. Data collected can provide baseline information for future population assessments.

Keywords: Mediterranean Sea; artificial structure; habitat use; scoastal area; threatened species.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ecosystem*
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Population Density
  • Smegmamorpha / physiology*