Rare Seahorse discovered in Sri Lankan waters sparks urgent conservation debate

Sri Lankan marine researchers have formally documented the presence of the rare and Vulnerable Three-Spot Seahorse (Hippocampus trimaculatus) in Sri Lankan waters for the first time, an important milestone in the country's marine biodiversity records.

- BY IFHAM NIZAM

The discovery was made through the examination of four dried specimens collected from fishermen operating off the southern coast near Madiha, nearly 150-200 km offshore. The evidence confirms that the island's marine ecosystems hosts a greater diversity of seahorses than previously recognized.

Until now, only two speciesHippocampus kuda and Hippocampus spinosissimus were scientifically confirmed in Sri Lanka, both largely linked to the northwestern lagoon systems. This discovery shifts that narrative southward.

Lead scientist Janamina Bandara emphasised the importance of the breakthrough, saying the identification not only verifies the species' presence but also extends its known distribution range in the Indian Ocean.

He told The Island: "This is the first authentic record of Hippocampus trimaculatus from Sri Lankan waters. This species was assumed to occur here based on regional presence, but until now, we lacked verified scientific proof."

Found in an Unexpected Habitat

While seahorses are typically associated with seagrass beds, shallow estuaries, or mangroves, the discovery revealed a surprising observation—these specimens were found attached to floating masses of marine debris.

Bandara described it as one of the most unusual natural behaviours documented in local marine fauna.

"The specimens appear to have utilised drifting debris as habitat, which has not been explicitly recorded before," he explained.

Photographs obtained from young field biologists show pieces of plastic waste, frayed fishing nets, fabric residues, and other floating refuse entangled into large drifting clusters.