Seahorses

International legislation CITES

Species of the genus Hippocampus have been included in Appendix II since 15 May 2004.

Before this listing came into effect, the Animals committee recommended a minimum size limit for specimens of all Hippocampus in trade as one component of an adaptive management plan, and as a simple precautionary means of making initial non-detriment findings in accordance with Article IV of the Convention. At its 20th meeting (Johannesburg, March-April 2004) the Animals committee came to the conclusion that, for specimens of the genus Hippocampus taken from the wild and entering trade, a height of 10 cm would serve as the most appropriate minimum size. However the Animals committee did not recommend any limit for captive-bred specimens. The height is measured from the top of the coronet to the tip of the straightened tail. Most species reach 10 cm in height after sexual maturity. However the Animals committee recognized that some of the smaller seahorses never reach that size. For the very limited international trade in specimens of these seahorses, parties may therefore wish to find other ways to make non-detriment findings. The use of this minimum size limit for specimens of wild origin in trade is voluntary.