Seahorse is a small fish with a head shaped like that of a tiny horse. Dozens of species (kinds) of seahorses live in shallow tropical seas. Some are found in temperate (mild) waters. Most seahorses are less than 6 inches (15 centimeters) long. The Pacific seahorse may be as long as 12 inches (30 centimeters). Seahorses are closely related to pipefishes (see Pipefish).
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A seahorse’s body is covered with bony plates. The fish has a long snout and feeds by sucking small animals into its cylindrical mouth. The tail is long, flexible, and capable of grasping. Seahorses use their tails to cling to rooted plants or floating sea vegetation. Baby seahorses often form small groups by holding onto each other. A seahorse’s large swim bladder holds air and enables the fish to stay at a certain depth. A seahorse swims weakly, using its dorsal fin (back fin). It can move this fin back and forth 35 times a second.
Seahorses reproduce in an unusual way. The male has a pouch in which the female lays from dozens to hundreds of eggs. The male carries the eggs for 10 to 45 days, depending on the species. He later releases tiny, live young.
Seahorse species have become threatened due to habitat destruction and overcollecting. They now receive protection around the world.
