The tiger tail seahorse reaches a maximum size of around 7 inches with a 2-inch snout.

The most common coloration is yellow and black stripes going from their stomach to the tip of the tail; however, males are usually darker while females are more yellow.

Instead of scales, the tiger tail seahorse has tough skin stretched over bony rings which makes them undesirable to prey as food.

The tiger tail seahorse enjoys the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific in places such as Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and more. They are usually found in groups or pairs hanging out in aquatic beds, seaweed gardens, or coral reefs.

Since the tiger tail seahorse has no teeth or speed to catch prey, they rely on ambush and suction for hunting. Juveniles stick to small zooplankton while adults feed on fish, shrimp, plankton, and coral.

Tiger tail seahorses are monogamous and may court each other for up to a week. An interested male will dance and change colors until a receptive female entwines her tail with his. When they mate, the female deposits up to 2,000 eggs in the male seahorse’s brood pouch. After 1-4 weeks, the babies are born fully independent and will swim towards plankton for food and camouflage.

Tiger tail seahorses are often seen with their tail wrapped around various perches. When in motion, they swim slowly and upright. Their slow swimming as well as increased feeding success can be attributed to their small home range. If the tiger tail seahorse is familiar with its surroundings, it also makes it easier to avoid predators.