Seahorse

Seahorses (genus Hippocampus) are among the most remarkable creatures of the ocean. Their bodies resemble a chess knight, yet they are perfectly adapted to life in the sea. They can change color to match their environment, and with their prehensile tails, they cling tightly to seaweed and coral to avoid being swept away by currents. Unlike most animals, it is the males that take on the role of "pregnancy," carrying hundreds of eggs in a brood pouch until the young hatch.

Seahorses move slowly and delicately, yet they are a fascinating symbol of the grace and beauty of the underwater world. Unfortunately, they are endangered – their populations are declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and ocean pollution.

BASIC INFORMATION

Length:
1.5 – 35 cm (depending on species)
Weight:
a few grams up to several tens of grams
Depth:
mostly 8–10 m, up to around 30 m
Speed:
very slow swimmer, up to 1.5 m/min
Lifespan:
usually 1–5 years (some species longer)
Habitat:
shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs of tropical and subtropical seas worldwide

INTERESTING FACTS

Male Pregnancy:
the male has a brood pouch in which he carries up to 1,000 eggs.
Size of Offspring:
a newborn seahorse measures only about 7–12 mm.
Camouflage:
seahorses can change color to blend in with their surroundings.
Diet:
they feed on tiny plankton and crustaceans, which they suck in with a rapid movement of their snout.
Movement:
they are not strong swimmers and rely on currents and their tail to hold on.
Threats:
the IUCN lists most species as endangered or vulnerable.