A novel non-invasive efficient photography-based technique for length measuring and individual identification of seahorses.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to develop a non-invasive and efficient method for measuring and identifying individual seahorses (Hippocampus patagonicus) in their natural habitat. A total of 976 seahorses were captured and photographed on a measuring board to obtain standard length (L_s) measurements. Head photographs were also taken for individual recognition, and a set of 100 seahorses were tagged with visible implant elastomers (VIE) to verify the correspondence between photograph recognition and the applied tags. The analysis showed no significant difference between left and right L_s measurements. The unique pattern of white dots on the heads served as individual fingerprints, consistent with VIE tagging. The recapture rate was 12%, with 89 individuals observed multiple times.

SUBMITTER: Luzzatto D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10590381 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature