An international team of researchers found a new seahorse species at Tuticorin harbor in southern India. This seahorse had been overlooked for over a century.
Shalu Kannan, a co-author of the new study, explained that the thorny seahorse (Hippocampus histrix) was thought to be one species found across a wide area. New evidence shows it is actually at least three different species.
Discovering a New Seahorse
The three species include H. histrix, Hippocampus jayakari (discovered in 1900), and the newly identified seahorse. The new species is a spiny seahorse, about 16 centimeters (6 inches) long, with a short snout. It has spines on its body and tail, and five short spines on its head that form a "crown."
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Start Your News DetoxResearchers named the new species Hippocampus amandavincentae. This name honors Amanda Vincent, who is known as the "mother" of seahorse research and conservation.
Vincent, director of the University of British Columbia’s Project Seahorse, was the first biologist to study seahorses underwater. She also conducted the first trade surveys for seahorses and created the first seahorse conservation program.
Vincent expressed her joy, saying it was amazing such a creature was "hiding in plain sight." She hopes this honor will bring attention to her marine conservation work.
The Threat of Bottom Trawling
Vincent noted that she had surveyed fish caught by trawlers in Tuticorin, India, where the new species was found, and missed it. She now feels an even stronger reason to fight against bottom trawl fishing.
Bottom trawl fishing uses heavy nets dragged across the seafloor. This practice sweeps up marine life and destroys habitats. It is one of the most damaging fishing methods globally.
Project Seahorse reports that bottom trawling catches thousands of fish species each year. Many of these are endangered animals.
In 2026, University of British Columbia researchers published a study based on over 9,000 records of fish caught in bottom trawls from 1895 to 2021. Lead author Sarah Foster said this study provides the clearest picture yet of bottom trawling's impact. It shows how many species are caught and how much has been overlooked.
Most bottom trawling happens in national waters, but enforcement is often weak. Foster explained that removing thousands of species without understanding the impact risks harming the very systems fisheries rely on.
Project Seahorse is a leader in seahorse conservation research. It has assessed species for the IUCN Red List, created 35 marine protected areas, built alliances with fishers, and helped pass new national laws. Vincent hopes the new species will highlight Project Seahorse's 30 years of achievements.
Deep Dive & References
New seahorse species named after UBC marine conservationist - University of British Columbia, 2026 Bottom trawling catches thousands of fish species - Project Seahorse A new species of seahorse, Hippocampus amandavincentae (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae), from the Indian Ocean - Zootaxa, 2026 Project Seahorse Achievements - Project Seahorse
