Seahorse Hippocampus kuda Sea horses (unlike land horses) can change their color. This particular fellow chose black or dark brown, with white spots and gold trim for this moment. I am guessing that he is male from a brood pouch on his lower abdomen, and that he is a common seahorse ( Hippocampus kuda ) rather than another of the many species in the Philippines. I like the fuzz on his snout and chest, which looks to me like tiny hydroids. Zoom in!

Seahorse: Hippocampus histrix This spiny seahorse posed graciously for me in the front door of her home labyrinth, a soft coral (Alcyonacea). I am guessing that she is female because I do not see the abdominal pouch where males keep a couple's young offspring. Spiny seahorses are considered vulnerable: populations are widespread but are in decline. They are threatened by habitat loss, as bycatch in shrimp fishing, and because of their use in traditional medicine. (Somehow sme