Seahorse

Seahorses, belonging to the genus Hippocampus, are small, captivating marine fish distinguished by their horse-like heads and necks, segmented bony armor, upright posture, and curled, prehensile tails. These unique creatures typically inhabit shallow tropical and temperate saltwater environments worldwide, thriving in seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangroves. Certain species are more localized, residing in specific regions such as the Pacific waters from North to South America and the Atlantic Ocean.

Ranging in size from 1.5 to 35.5 cm, seahorses lack scales. Instead, their thin skin stretches over bony plates. They swim upright using their dorsal fin for propulsion and feed on small crustaceans with their elongated snouts. One of the most fascinating aspects of seahorses is their exceptional reproductive process, where males carry the eggs in a pouch on their tails until they give birth to fully developed young. Courtship involves intricate dances and rituals between males and females prior to mating.

The fossil record for seahorses is sparse, but anatomical and genetic evidence suggests their evolution from pipefish. Today, seahorses face numerous threats, including habitat degradation, overfishing, and exploitation for traditional Chinese medicine. To alleviate pressure on wild populations, captive breeding has become increasingly prevalent. However, seahorses require specific care in aquarium settings, such as low water flow, peaceful tank mates, and stable water quality.

The demand for seahorses in traditional Chinese medicine is substantial, with millions being captured annually. Recently, researchers have discovered pygmy seahorses, tiny species less than 15 mm in height, that use close associations with other organisms for camouflage. Currently, the genus Hippocampus includes 46 recognized species, each with its unique traits and habitats.