WORLD OF THE SEAHORSE


DANGERS

THREATS BY NATURE

Seahorses move slowly and are therefore easy prey for predators. They have been found in the stomachs of large pelagic (constantly moving) fish like tuna. They are also eaten by skates and rays. However, crabs are among the most threatening, some survivors have escaped with damaged tails. Camouflage and thick skin is their only defence.


THREATS BY MAN

Many Seahorses are included on the I.U.C.N. (The World Conservation Union) RED LIST or threatened species because:-

  • Dead Seahorses are popular souvenirs
  • Many countries like China use dead animals for medicine and as aphrodisfacs
  • 1kg of dried Seahorse can fetch over 51200 on the black market
  • Live Seahorses are sold as aquarium fish
EVERY YEAR MORE THAN 20 MILLION SEAHORSES ARE KILLED OR TAKEN FROM THE WILD


SEAHORSES CAN BE FOUND ALL OVER THE WORLD

They live in a variety of habitats: shallow water nearby the coasts of seas and oceans, they live amongst seaweed, eel grass, mangroves and coral reefs to name a few.

In Britain (U.K.) the species which can be found are as follows:-

  • Spiny Seahorse - Hippocompus guttulatus

  • Short - Snouted Seahorse - Hippocampus hippocampus

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