Although Bali isn’t the biggest most popular macro destination of Indonesia, it is home to some amazing tiny marine creatures. With a keen eye, and maybe a little help from your dive guide, you might just be able to find some. Arguably one of the most exciting tiny creatures of Bali is the Pygmy Seahorse. These tiny, camouflaged wonders capture the imagination of divers from around the world… if you can find them! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about pygmy seahorses, their unique traits, and the best ways to spot them in Bali’s waters.
Where Can You See Pygmy Seahorses in Bali?
Bali’s warm waters and vibrant coral reefs make it an excellent destination to spot pygmy seahorses. Popular diving spots include:
- Amed: Known for its rich biodiversity and healthy coral gardens, Amed is a prime location.
- Tulamben: The USAT Liberty shipwreck is a must-visit dive site where pygmy seahorses can be found.
- Nusa Penida: Sites around Nusa Penida are famous for Mantas and Mola Mola, but they also have some tiny creatures too! This island’s various dive sites offer a chance to spot pygmy seahorses among its colorful reefs.
Make sure to dive with a knowledgeable guide who can help you locate these well-camouflaged creatures.
What Makes Pygmy Seahorses Unique?
Pygmy seahorses stand out for several reasons. Their tiny size of just 1.5-2.5 cm makes them one of the smallest seahorse species. Which makes them not only hard to find, but that much more special when you do! They are also known to be camouflage masters. Their ability to blend perfectly with their surroundings, such as sea fans and corals, helps them avoid predators. Finally unlike their larger seahorses, most pygmy seahorses are tightly linked to specific coral or gorgonian hosts. Their unique adaptations make them hard to find for divers but definitely worth the excitement of finding them!
Habitat of a Pygmy Seahorse
Pygmy seahorses live in coral reefs, attaching themselves to gorgonian sea fans or soft corals. They blend seamlessly into their homes offering the ultimate game of Where’s Waldo, ocean addition while diving. These delicate ecosystems are crucial for their survival, as the coral provides both food and protection. In fact, over 25% of all marine life depends on coral reefs for their survival. The best chance to see them is at depths of 10–30 meters, where their preferred habitats thrive.
What Do Pygmy Seahorses Eat?
Pygmy seahorses feed on plankton, tiny crustaceans, and other microscopic organisms. They use their tubular snouts to suck up food.
Pygmy Seahorses vs Seahorses of Indonesia
While pygmy seahorses are tiny and closely associated with specific coral species, other seahorses in Indonesia, like the thorny seahorse (Hippocampus hystrix) or estuary seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), are larger and inhabit diverse environments, including seagrass beds and mangroves.
Pygmy Seahorse Species of Indonesia
Indonesia is home to several species of pygmy seahorses. Here are the main ones:
Bargibanti (Hippocampus bargibanti)
- Description: The first discovered pygmy seahorse, famous for its knobby, coral-like appearance.
- Habitat: Found on Muricella gorgonian sea fans.
- Best Spots in Bali: Tulamben and Amed.
Denise (Hippocampus denise)
- Description: Smaller and smoother than Bargibanti, with more delicate features.
- Habitat: Lives on various gorgonian species.
- Best Spots in Bali: Nusa Penida and Amed.
Pontohi (Hippocampus pontohi)
- Description: A free-living pygmy seahorse that doesn’t attach to sea fans, making it harder to spot.
- Habitat: Found among algae and seagrass beds.
- Best Spots in Bali: Gili Islands.
Pygmy Seahorses are just one of the many underwater critters you can spot around Bali. Divers travel from all over for the chance to experience diving in Indonesia and for the lucky few it’s also where they choose to go pro. If you have a chance to research all the other amazing ocean life you get to dive with in Bali, and you’re interested in going pro, you should check out our divemaster internships. They not only prepare you to become a divemaster but also allows for ample time diving and discovering the underwater world of Bali!
FAQ About Pygmy Seahorses
What is the best way to spot pygmy seahorses?
Dive slowly and keep a sharp eye on coral structures. Having a guide with a keen eye and experience in macro diving is essential.
Are pygmy seahorses hard to photograph?
Yes! Their tiny size and camouflage make them challenging subjects. Use a macro lens and good lighting for the best shots.
Can you touch pygmy seahorses?
No! Pygmy seahorses are extremely fragile, and touching them can harm their protective mucus layer or stress them. How would you like it if an elephant came over to your house and rubbed you with their trunk! OK maybe you would like that, but let’s play it safe and not touch marine life.
What are the best times to dive in Bali to see pygmy seahorses?
The dry season (April to October) offers the best visibility for spotting macro life like pygmy seahorses.
How can I help protect pygmy seahorses?
Practice responsible diving by maintaining neutral buoyancy. Having the right gear can help with this! Also, avoiding contact with coral reefs and supporting eco-friendly dive operators can help too!
