The Thorny Seahorse has an armored body with long, sharp spines that often host algae and other marine growth, providing a natural camouflage. They have a slender snout and a tail that latches onto seagrass or coral. Moreover, their coloration changes according to their surroundings, ranging from yellow, brown, and green to grey.
These types of seahorses are primarily nocturnal, emerging at night after hiding in seagrasses or coral. They live in the warm, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Red Sea, South Africa, Fiji, and coastal areas of Southern Japan.
Although not strong swimmers, they can change their color and texture to blend in with their surroundings. They can avoid predators and hunt more effectively.