Belinda 2021

COMMON SEAHORSE

This research paper features the common seahorse within its natural environment. It is part of 46 species of small marine fish in the genus “Hippocampus”, from Ancient Greek "sea monster”.

The seahorses have long bodies encased in bony rings. They have small pectoral fins on either side just behind the head helping to control movement with a single dorsal fin. Seahorses have no teeth or stomach. They use their long snouts to suck up crustaceans and other zooplankton.

Is it an endangered species? YES. This is due to habitat loss, over fishing and oil spills which have destroyed sea grass beds that it feeds on. They are highly sensitive to pollution, climate change and other human impacts. They are used for medicinal purposes in China, Japan and Korea.

Seahorses are found worldwide needing shallow salt water at temperature of 25c to 28c free of pollution. They need sheltered areas with grassy sea beds, estuaries, coral reefs and mangroves forest bushes to search for food and for protection.

The colour in seahorses is not fixed colour they change colours with their moods. Their environment, lighting, diet and age also affects their colourings. Their colours range from grey, yellow to golden beige and are the same for male and female.

I have chosen this animal because when I saw a picture of a caught and dried out seahorse it made me angry. Surely humans don’t have to use seahorses for medicinal purposes.