New Records of Seahorses (Teleostei: <i>Syngnathidae</i> ) From Bangladesh With Fisheries and Conservation Insights

ABSTRACT No confirmed distribution of seahorses ( Hippocampus spp.) is recognized in Bangladesh, apart from a questionable record of Hippocampus kuda (Bleeker 1852). This study documents the occurrence of two newly recorded species, H. spinosissimus (Weber 1913) and H. trimaculatus (Leach 1814), alongside H. kuda , based on specimens collected from the coasts of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar. It provides a detailed account of their key characteristics, including morphometric measurements, meristic counts and photographic evidence. Seahorses in this region are caught as bycatch and are often discarded; however, a portion is channeled into niche markets by local fishers for small‐scale trade. The IUCN Red List designated H. kuda , H. spinosissimus and H. trimaculatus as vulnerable species. Major threats to these species include bycatch in artisanal fishing and habitat degradation, highlighting the need for better conservation measures. Accurate species identification is, therefore, a crucial first step in protecting these data‐deficient, flagship marine species.