Evaluation of a simple tagging methodudto monitor the growth of endangeredudspecies of seahorse

摘要

Identification of an individual seahorse is importantudfor captive breeding and conservation studies. A simpleudand cost-effective tagging method was devised to suitudthe rigid body structure and small fins of Hippocampusudkuda. The first generation sexually matured individualsud(452 numbers) were tagged using plastic stripsudtied around the neck. No significant differences (P >ud0.05) in growth between the tagged and untaggedudgroups were noted. All the tags persisted for one yearudwithout any perceptible changes in sexual and socialudbehaviour.