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Hippocampus reidi, commonly known as the longsnout seahorse or slender seahorse, is a species of seahorse belonging to the family Syngnathidae. Here are some key characteristics and facts about Hippocampus reidi:

1. Appearance: Longsnout seahorses have a slender body with a long snout, which gives them their common name. They have a prehensile tail that allows them to grasp onto coral or seagrass. Their coloration can vary widely and includes shades of yellow, orange, brown, and sometimes green, often with various patterns or spots for camouflage.
2. Size: They typically grow to a size of about 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) in length, although sizes can vary between individuals.
3. Habitat: This species is found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries of the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the southeastern United States to Brazil. They inhabit areas with seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove roots, where they can cling to vegetation or substrate using their prehensile tail.
4. Behavior: Longsnout seahorses are slow-moving and rely on camouflage and their ability to change color to avoid predators. They are typically solitary and feed on small crustaceans and plankton that they suck into their tubular mouth.
5. Reproduction: Like all seahorses, Hippocampus reidi exhibits a unique reproductive behavior where males carry fertilized eggs in a specialized pouch on their abdomen until they hatch. Females deposit their eggs into the male’s pouch during courtship, and the male provides care to the developing embryos until they are ready to emerge as fully formed juveniles.
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