What is a Seahorse? - The Complete Guide to Seahorses 

In this article we will give you some useful information about seahorses.

The Seahorse Facts

Seahorses are aquatic animals similar to fish, but they have no scales and their body is covered completely by a bony armour plate called a corona. These coronal plates have a row of spines running along the length of each vertebrae in the back that help them protect themselves from predators. The first seahorse fossils were discovered near present-day Australia and the fossil record shows that these creatures evolved about 200 million years ago. However, today we know that they are still alive today in some parts of the world.

There are two species of seahorses found in the wild, although there are only two recognized subspecies in existence today. The first subspecies is the Heteronema reidi (common name: Indo-Pacific seahorse) and the second subspecies is the Hippocampus erectus (common name: Atlantic seahorse).

The first specimen was discovered in 1839 near the coast of India. At that time the scientists thought that it was a fish, however, upon closer inspection they realised that it had four legs and a head shaped like a horse's, and gave it its scientific name 'Hippocampus'.

Today, many people think of seahorses as harmless animals that just sit around looking pretty, but these little creatures are actually quite intelligent and are highly social animals. They live in colonies where they often cooperate together to hunt down their prey. They communicate using clicking sounds when they want to find food and mating partners.

An interesting fact about seahorses is that they are able to change colour from dark brown to white, depending on what type of environment they're in. If they're in bright sunlight then they turn white, while if they're in shaded waters they turn black.

What Seahorses Look Like?

Seahorses (Hippocampus) are marine animals with a long body and tail fin, with nostrils at the top of their head, that breathe through gills. Their bodies are covered in scales.

Seahorses live in water environments ranging from tropical to polar seas across three oceans: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific.

There are over 100 different species of seahorse around the world. They have been known to dive down to 100 meters deep in search of food.

When seahorses are born they are covered in skin, which falls off after about 25 days.

Seahorses have no teeth; instead, they use plates called “teeth” located along parts of their body to crush prey.

Where Seahorses Live?

Seahorses live in both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world. Their habitats range from mangrove swamps, rocky reefs, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and even rivers. Seahorses have been known to be found in shallow waters along coral reef edges, where they use their special tail fin to move through muddy sand. They also make burrows in mud banks, sandy beaches, and rocky shores for protection. Seahorses are often seen swimming near underwater caves and overhanging ledges to get food and shelter from predators.

How Seahorses Grow Up?

As seahorse eggs develop, they slowly sink until they reach the ocean floor. At first, they float freely at the surface of the water, but later they attach themselves to stones and shells to protect them. When they are ready to hatch, they release a sticky substance that keeps their babies attached to the substrate. Once the baby seahorse reaches about three inches long, it begins to break free from its shell and fins are visible. A few weeks after hatching, the seahorse grows to about six inches in length. As the fish matures, it becomes darker in coloration, developing larger scales on its body. It eventually develops longer spines and longer whiskers on its snout and mouth.

What Seahorses Eat?

Seahorses eat microorganisms and small invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and insects. They are also attracted to algae and plankton, which makes them ideal for cleaning up polluted areas.

Why Seahorses Are Important?

Seahorses play a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, especially in tropical areas. Because they help cleanse and replenish the environment, they are great indicators of environmental quality. Seahorses are also important as prey species, providing food for various marine animals. In some cases, they act as mothers to young who were not born naturally. If the mother was killed, the baby would remain unattended until he or she could swim away on his or her own power, 

Cause of Seahorse Extinction?

Seahorses reproduce slowly—they lay eggs only once per year and spend much of their lives attached to the substrate, making them particularly vulnerable to being caught by humans. In addition to fishing practices, habitat loss caused by coastal development and pollution pose additional threats to seahorses.

Seahorses Life Span

seahorses only live around 7 years. 

In conclusion, sea horses are beautiful creatures that inspire us with their elegance and grace. We hope you enjoyed this post!