Unique And Exceptional –The Seahorse

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Seahorses are members of the fish animal group. Their size range is anywhere from 1 to 14 inches, with a lifespan of 4 years. They exist in temperate, tropical waters throughout the world with their habitats being coral reefs, estuaries, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. The seahorse uses their tail to anchor themselves to seaweed and branching corals. They have different shapes, sizes, and some species can change their color to camouflage their presence from crabs and other fishes. Generally, they feed on tiny crustaceans, plankton, and algae. Seahorses do not have stomachs, so their food passes quickly through their bodies, resulting in eating often, that is, between 30 and 50 times pers day. They are not the best swimmers; even though they are fish. When resting they like to occupy one area, at times holding on to the same coral or seaweed for days. They don’t move quickly but beat their fins rapidly - up to 70 times a second moving up, down, forward, or backward. During a breeding cycle, many seahorses are monogamous. They do not seem to mate for life. Their mating season consists of a complex courtship ritual that continues through the entire breeding season. Seahorses are the only species where the male becomes pregnant and carries their babies (called fry) to term. The female inserts her eggs through an oviduct (excretory duct) into the male’s brood pouch, where they are later fertilized. Once that’s done, the male stations himself to a nearby area - for the length of gestation, which lasts 9–45 days. Each pregnancy produces 100 – 300 young. Young are released into the open sea during the evening, so they are less prone to predation. Parental bonding ends, and the young are responsible for finding their own way. Threats to seahorses include overfishing, tourist demand for dried trinkets and unregulated Asian market for traditional medicine. Presently the effects of climate change warming seas long term is not known. I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.