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Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Common Seahorse full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The line art version of this drawing was completed in 2004. I attempted to revive it with color in about 2007, but the drawing just wasn't working. Finally, I had an idea on how I wanted it to look, and on 2.24.2011 I added tinting to the image, wrapped the seahorse's tail around some coral and the drawing finally came together.

Information about the Common Seahorse:

The Common Seahorse is a small fish that inhabits the coastal waters throughout much of the Indo-Pacific oceans. They're usually found in coral reefs, where they use their prehensile tail to attach themselves to coral or plant matter, as they are not the best swimmers. The seahorse is unusual as it is the male that carries the eggs in a brood patch on the lower abdomen. After about 4-5 weeks, the young seahorse are born out of the pouch. Common seahorses are also very popular as aquarium pets, although their specialized dietary needs can be challenging for a beginner.