Macro
Short-snouted seahorse
Hippocampus hippocampus
IUCN status: Data deficient
A genuinely scarce find in Malta, clinging to seagrass and algae in sheltered shallows. Reported occasionally at sites like Xatt l-Ahmar reef and Mgarr ix-Xini, but never a reliable sighting.
- Max size
- Up to ~15cm
- Habitat
- Seagrass, algae and shallow reef; grips holdfasts with tail
Best places to dive with Short-snouted seahorse
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Malta & Gozo
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Rare year-round; occasional reports from sheltered shallow reef and seagrass at Xatt l-Ahmar and Mgarr ix-Xini.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Malta Diving Guide — Starfish Diving
Note on the data: Seahorses are rare in Malta and should be treated as a lucky find, not an expected sighting.