(Hippocampus jayakari) is a species of seahorse belonging to the Syngnathidae family, found in the Indian Ocean along the eastern coast of Africa and in the Red Sea. This species is named after C.V. Jayakar, a well-known Indian ichthyologist who studied and described several fish species in the early 20th century.

Jayakar's Seahorse is a small seahorse species that grows up to 10 centimeters in length. It has a long, slender snout and a rounded belly. Like other seahorses, it has a prehensile tail that it uses to anchor itself to seagrass or other structures. The body is covered with bony plates, which provide protection against predators. Jayakar's Seahorse has a unique feature, a prominent, bony coronet on the head, which is used for identification purposes.

The body coloration of Jayakar's Seahorse varies from brownish-grey to greenish-yellow with dark brown spots, which act as camouflage in their natural habitat. They have a small mouth that opens downwards, which is used to catch small invertebrates like plankton and copepods.

Jayakar's Seahorse is a solitary species, often found in pairs or small groups. Males and females are monogamous and mate for life. During courtship, the male performs a dance to attract the female. The female lays her eggs into the male's brood pouch where they are fertilized and incubated until hatching. The male then gives birth to the fully formed young.

In terms of conservation, Jayakar's Seahorse is not currently listed as a threatened species by the IUCN. However, they are at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Many seahorse species are also caught for the traditional Chinese medicine market, which poses a threat to their survival.

In conclusion, Jayakar's Seahorse is a unique and fascinating species with its bony coronet and monogamous behavior. While not currently threatened, it is important to continue to monitor and protect their populations to ensure their survival and the health of their ecosystem.