About this Research Topic

Background

Syngnathids are a large and diverse group of fishes, including seahorses, pipefishes, seadragons and pipehorses, These iconic and vulnerable fishes are distributed worldwide in warm temperate to tropical environments, usually in coastal shallow water. Most species are marine and strongly associated with vegetal communities or coral reefs, which provide shelter and the necessary dietary resources. Syngnathids have a unique reproductive mode with parental care, diverse brooding structures and other special characteristics that make them highly vulnerable.

These iconic fishes are facing several threats, namely environmental disturbances and habitat regression. However, many of their biological, ecological and physiological characteristics have been poorly investigated and limited to a few species. Despite their vulnerability, to date, a large number of species are listed as Data Deficient (meaning they could potentially be threatened) by IUCN due to inadequate or insufficient information, mainly on distribution and/or population status. Due to the progressive regression of wild populations, long-term monitoring programs are necessary to evaluate population dynamics, fisheries, and habitat quality. On the other hand, these charismatic fishes, especially seahorses, are excellent flagship species for marine biodiversity conservation.
Unfortunately, illegal harvesting and traffic of seahorses and other syngnathids is a fact, despite CITES controls. Hence, the development of new tools for fish traceability and updated policies are also necessary to reduce the threats to these fishes.

Due to the increasing demand for syngnathids in the ornamental trade, there is a growing interest in the cultivation of these fishes in indoor facilities using conventional or water-recirculation systems (RAS). However, successful rearing techniques are available for only a few species. Syngnathids produced ex-situ may help in decreasing pressure on wild stocks, contributing to their conservation.
This article collection intends to present original research and review manuscripts to provide knowledge and innovative approaches on a broad range of topics.

Submissions are encouraged on the following themes (but not restricted to):
- Evolution and diversification
- Biology, physiology and ecological traits, including life history, temporal and spatial variation in population structure, habitat, metabolism, genetics, gene expression, ontogeny, reproduction and breeding, trophic ecology, diseases, and other topics
- Maternal and paternal connections to brooded eggs and juveniles
- Ornamental trade and traceability
- Development and optimization of rearing techniques, especially those referring to new species of potential interest in the trade of ornamental fishes.
- Reinforcement of wild populations
- Educational and action plans. Conservation policies

Keywords: syngnathids, seahorses, pipefishes, seadragons

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