Seahorse ID
A field data collection database documenting seahorses, pipefish, dragonfish, and other members of the Syngnathidae family in East Bali (Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai), Nusa Dua, and Nusa Lembongan.
The records support research into species distribution, habitat, population, and conservation threats, building a scientific database for conservation status assessments, including IUCN Red List evaluation.
You do not need to know the species name to contribute. Clear photographs and accurate location details are already valuable data for research.
Report a sighting
Sign in first so we can credit your record and reach you if the team needs to verify it.
8
Approved sightings
10
Individuals recorded
3
Contributors
4
Species groups
Sightings Map
Sightings that have been reviewed by our team.
How to Take Part
No biology background needed. Just a photo and a few simple notes from your dive.
1. Photograph it on your dive
Take a photo without touching or disturbing the animal. Keep your distance and avoid excessive flash.
2. Note the place and time
Dive site name, depth, date, and time. Coordinates can be captured automatically from your device.
3. Submit your report
Fill in a short form. Our team reviews it, then your sighting appears on the map.
What We Record
All members of the Syngnathidae family and close relatives across the five programme areas. If you are unsure, pick "Other" and let our team identify it from your photographs.
Seahorse
Hippocampus spp.
Long snout, upright body, curled tail used to grip onto things.
Pygmy seahorse
Hippocampus bargibanti, denise, etc.
Very small (under 2 cm), usually clinging to a gorgonian sea fan.
Pipefish
Syngnathinae
Long, thin body like a twig. Swims horizontally.
Ghost pipefish
Solenostomus spp.
Broad, frilly fins. Often camouflaged among seagrass or crinoids.
Seadragon
Phycodurus / Phyllopteryx
Leaf-like appendages. Rare in Indonesia, please double-check before selecting.
Other / not sure
Pick this if unsure. Our team will help identify it from your photos.
A collaboration between
Universitas Udayana
Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN)
Ecoway ConservationWe deliberately blur exact locations
Seahorses are listed under CITES Appendix II and are vulnerable to collection. Points shown on the public map are rounded to roughly one kilometre. The precise coordinates you submit are visible only to our research team and are never shown publicly.
Read the data licence and citation guide