[3] Hippocampus barbouri is found in seagrasses and shallow waters off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The Barbour's Seahorse is native to Indonesia (Bali, Jawa, Kalimantan, Sulawesi), Malaysia (Sabah), and the Philippines.

[4] Habitats include seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, estuaries, and muddy areas.

Records show a 30% decline in the H. barbouri population over the past 10 years, which has continued to increase due to over fishing and the destruction of seagrass habitats.

They range in color from white to yellow to greenish gray to light brown, and some may have some reddish-brown spots or lines.

This species is ovoviviparous, with males carrying eggs before giving birth to live young.