Hippocampi (plural of Hippocampus) literally means “Sea Horse.” Hippocampi have no hind legs or normal hair tail, instead they have a muscular fishtail which they use to swim. Like many sea-going mammals, they have hair coating their body, with the exception of their tail. They also share characteristics with other sea life. Like seals, they have a special membrane that plugs their nostrils when they swim, and like crocodiles, they have a third transparent eyelid that allows them to see underwater without anything getting in their eyes. Hippocampi also have gills, which allow them to breath underwater. Due to their aquatic environment, they can grow to larger size and weight than land dwelling animals, as the water supports their weight. When venturing onto land, which they do not do often, they magically loose their tail and gain legs and a hair tail, but some fins are seen on their legs after emerging.

Special Characteristics:
Males: Dominant males often have a crest of fin along their head and running down their back and tail. These fins often have barbs on them that contain poison or string when something touches them. Older males of 70+ years get a little “beard” of hair at their chin and feelers (like catfish have) too.

Name for Male of Species: Leviathan
Name for Female of Species: Nereid
Name for Filly of Species: Naiad
Territories: Charybdis, Lake Avernus, Eridanus.
Size: Average height is 15-17 hands.
Weight: 1000-1200 lbs.
Coat Coloration: White, grays, blacks, browns, blue roan, gruella, pinto, appaloosa.
Never found in: buckskin, chestnut or palomino.
Diet: Algae (kelp, seaweed), sea grass, water plants.
They cannot survive for long off land plants, but at times, will eat krill, crabs, shrimp, lobster, small fish and shell fish (break shells by stomping on them.)
Lifespan: 80-90 years.
Abilities: Able to breathe underwater, legs for land.

Advantage:

Because of swimming, their legs and tail are quite muscular and very powerful.

As they are able to breath underwater,

Great agility in water, powerful swimmers and divers.

A thick coat to keep warm in cold water, little bit of extra fat and muscle mass also provides padding.

Able to breath both on land and sea.

Able to drink both fresh and saltwater.

Disadvantages:

Their gills are vulnerable and serious damage to them can prevent breathing underwater.

Their size and weight mean they are ungainly and less nimble on land, which slows them down.