Fascinating
marine fish belonging to the order Syngnathiformes. They swim
erect, using delicate
fins to propel their
armored bodies in a gliding motion. Their
prehensile tails curl forward, and their
heads are shaped like those of
horses, thus the name seahorse.
Most species of seahorse are quite small, only measuring from ½ inch to 6 inches tall. They live in shallow waters along the world's reefs. Their markings camouflage them amongst grasses and corals; some can even change colors to blend in with their surroundings.
The seahorse's reproduction is very unusual: it is the male that becomes pregnant. The female places eggs in a brood pouch on his abdomen. He fertilizes them and nourishes the young there for 10 to 60 days. When they emerge from their father's pouch, the little seahorses are completely developed and independent. Seahorses are monogamous, and mate around the time of the full moon.
Seahorses have few predators in the wild; their armor makes them difficult to eat. But since humans have been harvesting them for use in medicines and as pets, their existence has become threatened.
The world's largest collection of seahorses and their relatives can be viewed at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois.