Many have seen these sea creatures on TV or in aquariums, but not everyone realizes how surprising they can be Interesting Facts about a seahorse. These beautiful representatives of fish amaze with their unique properties. However, in wildlife It's very difficult to watch them. Moreover, the number seahorses has recently declined sharply due to the destruction of their habitats.
- Seahorses are the only fish with necks. Scientists have proven that seahorses are relatives of needle fish. True, during evolution their body has changed a lot. Unlike other fish, skates are located vertically in the water due to the fact that the swim bladder is distributed throughout the body. The S-shaped body shape allows skates to successfully hunt from cover. They freeze among the seaweed or reefs, and when a tiny larva swims by, they grab it by turning their heads.
- Skates can ride on fish. Thanks to their curved tail, seahorses can travel long distances. They grab onto the fins of the perch and hold on until the fish swims into the algae thickets. And the skates grab their mate with their tail and swim in an embrace.
- Skates' eyes move independently of each other. The seahorse's organ of vision is similar to the eyes of a chameleon. One eye of these fish can look forward, and the other can see what is happening behind.
- Master of Disguise Skates. The ability to change color depending on location allows seahorses to avoid numerous enemies. Just like chameleons, pipits match the color of their scales to the color of coral or algae, making them almost invisible.
- Seahorses have an excellent appetite. They don't have teeth, they don't even have a stomach. In order not to die, these fish have to eat constantly. With their proboscis, pipits suck in plankton, small larvae and crustaceans. Moreover, this happens so quickly that it is difficult to track.
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- Almost no one eats seahorses. These small fish can become prey for other predators only by accident. They consist almost entirely of bones, spines and scales, so there are few hunters for them, except perhaps stingrays and large crabs.
- Seahorses are susceptible to stress. Stress often poses a mortal danger to seahorses. These fish thrive in clean, calm water. Strong sea motion leads to depletion of their strength. And with a sudden change of location, they may even die. Therefore, it is difficult to breed skates in aquariums; they do not take root well in an artificial environment.
- The female chooses the male herself. We can say that seahorses have a matriarchy. After all, it is the females who decide which male to choose as a spouse.
- Seahorses perform mating dances. For several days, the female performs a kind of dance with her supposed chosen one, rising to the surface of the water and sinking to the bottom, intertwining her tails. If the male lags behind the bride, she will most likely leave him and look for another, more profitable match.
- Male seahorses are "pregnant". If the female has chosen a suitable male, then she remains faithful to him until the end of her life. She entrusts the male with bearing the eggs and caring for the offspring. The female transfers the eggs to a special pouch on the male’s body. There, future skates grow within a month and a half. And then they are born as full-fledged fish. One male can simultaneously produce from 5 to 1.5 thousand fry. However, male seahorses still cannot be called pregnant. After all, fry are not born in their body, but are only kept until full maturity. This is a function of protecting future offspring.
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- Skates are fragile, but tenacious. One in a hundred seahorse fry born survives to become full-fledged adults. This is a very high indicator for fish. It is thanks to this indicator that seahorses have not become extinct to this day.
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- The horse is on the coat of arms of the city of Zaozersk. Several years in a row on the coat of arms Russian city Zaozersk (Murmansk region) a seahorse was depicted. The image was supposed to symbolize the naval power of the Northern Fleet. But, since seahorses are not found in the waters of the Barents Sea, the image of the seahorse was replaced by the image of a dolphin. It should be noted that seahorses are inhabitants of tropical and subtropical salt water bodies. And the most large seas Not all of Russia is included in this list.
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- 30 species of skates are listed in the Red Book. But science knows only 32 species of these fish. There are several reasons for the extinction of seahorses. But almost all of them are related to human activity. In Thailand, Australia, and Malaysia, skates are caught to be dried and used as souvenirs. In oriental medicine they are used to prepare medicines for asthma and skin diseases. In addition, the habitats of seahorses are polluted or completely destroyed by humans. And plankton useful for skates is often eaten by jellyfish, which are favorably affected by climate change.
- Seahorses are a delicacy. A dish using the liver and eyes of seahorses is served in the most expensive restaurants in the world. These parts of skates are considered very tasty and healthy. The cost of the delicacy is on average $800 per serving. And in China, fried skates are served on sticks.
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- Skates have lived on Earth for 40 million years.. Although fossilized seahorses are rare, scientists have proven that these fish have existed for tens of millions of years. They appeared at a time when, as a result of tectonic shifts in the earth's crust, shallows formed in the oceans and algae began to spread.
Avid aquarists like to breed a wide variety of exotic fish and bright, unusual animals that attract with their non-standard, bizarre proportions and interesting, sometimes playful behavior. And none, and even cannot be compared with the brightest inhabitants of sea waters - seahorses.
The seahorse is one of the most unusual representatives of the aquarium world. Despite their bizarre shapes, all seahorses belong to the subgroup of bony marine fish, the spiny fish order.
This is interesting! There are only one males on the planet, who themselves bear their future offspring - seahorses.
If you take a closer look, you yourself will notice the striking resemblance of these small bony fish to a chess piece. And how interestingly the seahorse moves in the water, bends all over and very proudly carries its magnificently built head!
Despite the apparent difficulty, keeping a seahorse is practically the same as keeping any other inhabitants of the aquarium world. But, before purchasing one or several individuals, you should take into account many factors, without which the life of this bright and interesting “sea needle” may not be as long as we would like.
Seahorses: interesting facts
The existence of the seahorse was known a thousand years before our era. In ancient Roman mythology, it is said that the god of water streams and the sea, Neptune, every time he went to check his possessions, harnessed a “sea needle”, very similar to a horse, to his chariot. Therefore, for sure, Lord Neptune cannot be huge if he moved on small thirty-centimeter skates. But, seriously, it is very rare in nature today to find spinyfish that reach 30 cm in length. Most “pipits” barely reach twelve centimeters.
In our time, it is already known about the existence of fossilized remains of the ancestors of the seahorse. In the course of a study at the genetic level, scientists revealed the similarity of the seahorse with the needle fish.
What are they like - seahorses
Today, marine aquarists keep seahorses, which range in length from 12 millimeters to twenty centimeters. However, most of all, aquarists prefer to care for Hippocampus erectus, those. standard seahorses.
Seahorses were specifically named this way because the head, chest, and neck are completely similar to horse parts of the body. At the same time, they differ from fish in a different physique. The horse's head of these individuals is positioned completely differently than that of fish - in relation to the body, it is located at ninety degrees. What else is interesting is these sea fish They have eyes looking in different directions.
And also these little, cute ones sea creatures They swim not horizontally, but vertically and have scales all over their bodies, strong armor - colorful, iridescent bony plates. The shell of these sea needle-shaped individuals is “steel”, so that it cannot be penetrated.
I would also like to mention interesting property curled, long ponytail sea fish in the shape of a spiral. If seahorses feel that there is a predator nearby, they very quickly run into shelter, algae, which they skillfully cling to with their spiral tail and manage to hide.
This is interesting! Feeling that danger threatens, sea fish - pipits - cling to corals or algae with their long tails and remain for a long time motionless, hanging upside down.
Despite such a cute appearance, seahorses are classified as predatory fish, as they feed on shrimp and sea crustaceans.
The seahorse has the ability to camouflage itself. They mimic like chameleons, taking on the color of the place they stop at. Basically, these sea fish like to hide where there are more saturated, bright colors to avoid encounters with predators. And with the help of bright colors, the male attracts the attention of the female, which he really liked. To please the female, he can even “put on” her color.
Seahorses, despite their numbers, are considered rare fish, so their thirty subspecies are listed in the Red Book. The problem is that from year to year the world’s oceans turn into a universally polluted, garbage “dump”, because of which corals and algae die en masse, and these photosynthetic organisms have vital important for seahorses.
And also, the seahorse itself has long been a valuable animal. The Chinese catch these fish in large numbers because they believe that they cure any disease. In many European countries dead seahorses automatically become raw materials for the manufacture of various souvenir products.
Keeping seahorses at home
Bony seahorses are unusual, bright, funny and very beautiful creatures. Maybe, feeling their beauty and greatness, they become very “capricious” when they find themselves in captivity. And to make these fish feel good, even experienced aquarists should try very hard. A natural habitat must be created for them so that the animals feel the same there as in sea water. It is very important to monitor the temperature of the aquariums. Seahorses will feel comfortable in cool water with a temperature of twenty-three to twenty-five degrees Celsius, but no more. During hot periods, be sure to install a split system above the aquarium; you can simply turn on the fan. The hot air can suffocate these little creatures even in warm water.
Before placing purchased skates in an aquarium with regular water, check its quality: it should not contain phosphates or ammonia. The maximum concentration of nitrates in water is allowed at a level of ten ppm. Also, don’t forget to install your favorite seahorse algae and corals in the aquarium. Surface grottoes made of artificial material will also look beautiful.
So, you have taken care of the seahorse house. Taking care of their diet will also be important for them, because these beautiful sea creatures often love to eat a lot of meat and exotic foods. A seahorse should eat at least four to five times a day, receiving meat from shrimp and crustaceans. To do this, you can forage for frozen invertebrate mollusks and crustaceans. Seahorses love Mysis shrimp and will happily eat moths and even daphnia.
- All seahorses suffer from limited gas exchange due to low gill efficiency. This is why constant water filtration and oxygen supply is a vital process for seahorses.
- Seahorses do not have stomachs, so in order to maintain themselves normally and not lose energy balance, they need a lot of food.
- Seahorses do not have scales, which is why they are easily susceptible to any infections, especially bacterial ones. An ecosystem moderator in a confined space should frequently inspect the seahorse's body, which may be damaged.
- Seahorses have interesting mouths - proboscis, with the help of which these creatures suck up caught prey with such speed that they can swallow a dozen spineless mollusks at a time.
Reproduction of seahorses
Seahorses are skilled cavaliers! They begin their courtship with a mating dance, which they demonstrate to the female. If everything worked out, the fish touch each other, wrap themselves around each other and look closely. This is how seahorses get to know each other. After numerous “embraces,” the female begins, using her genital nipple, to throw a large army of eggs into the male’s purse. Transparent seahorse fry are born after 30 days, ranging from twenty to two hundred individuals. The fry are born by males!
This is interesting! In nature, there is a subspecies of male extraordinary seahorses capable of bearing over a thousand fry.
It is noteworthy that the male seahorse has a very difficult time giving birth; after giving birth, within a day, or even two, he rests for a long time at the bottom of the reservoir. And only the male, not the female, takes care of his babies for a long time, who, in case of impending danger, can again hide in their father’s brood pouch.
Seahorse's aquarium neighbors
Seahorses are unpretentious and mysterious animals. They can very easily get along with other fish and invertebrate species. Only small fish, very slow and careful, are suitable for them as neighbors. Fish such as gobies and blennies can become such neighbors for skates. Among the invertebrates, we can highlight the snail, which is an excellent aquarium cleaner and also does not sting corals.
You can also place live stones in aquariums with needlefish, the main thing is that they are completely healthy and do not cause diseases.
Where to buy a seahorse
Any online aquarium and pet store offers live pictures and photographs. different types seahorses that will help you choose the most ideal option.
It is here or in any pet store in your city that you can purchase a seahorse at the best prices. In the future, many pet stores offer significant discounts for their regular customers, ranging from 10% and higher when ordering a batch of seahorses.
It's hard to believe, but in ancient times seahorses were feared and considered chthonic creatures. The Chinese are sure that skates restore male strength, and Europeans decorate their aquariums with them.
Underwater chameleons
Unlike other inhabitants of the oceans and seas, seahorses swim upright and in pairs, often with their tails tied. At the same time, like chameleons, they avoid a few enemies, imitating the color of underwater plants.
The latter property is due to the fact that seahorses are incompetent swimmers. They have a small fin on the back that makes up to 35 movements per second, and pectoral fins, which are more correctly called rudders. And the dwarf seahorse is generally recognized as the slowest fish in the world. It moves at a speed of 1.5 meters per hour.
Good eaters
Seahorses have neither teeth nor a stomach. Their digestive system is like a ramjet engine, so they have to feed constantly to avoid starvation. As a rule, they cling to algae with their tenacious tails and suck up water from a distance of up to three centimeters, and at the same time simple food. Every day they consume three thousand or more brine shrimp (planktonic organisms). They also love tiny fish, carefully watching them. Interestingly, both eyes of skates can look at different sides, studying the environment.
A close relative is the needlefish
However, there are not so many people who want to feast on the seahorses themselves, except perhaps penguins, crabs, tuna, stingrays and some very hungry predators. The thing is that seahorses are very poorly digested due to excessive bonyness. Their numerous long spines and ribbon-like leathery outgrowths are also unpleasant to absorb. As genetic studies show, the ancestors of seahorses are the same needle-like progenitor from which the needle fish appeared. The split into two species occurred approximately 23 million years ago.
Non-stress resistant
The greatest danger for seahorses comes from strong rolling motion, which leads to exhaustion and complete loss of strength. They like it calm and clear water. Interestingly, these fish are very susceptible to stress. In an unusual environment, they die quickly enough, even if they have food. This is why they do not take root well in aquariums. Interestingly, seahorses are monogamous, are faithful partners and are not separated from each other throughout their lives. After the death of one of them, the widow or widower grieves greatly, which can even cause death.
The choice is up to the lady
The role of the male in choosing his mate is secondary. The female herself decides who should mate with her. Having seen a suitable candidate for a wife, she tests his passion for three days. She dances with him and rises to the surface of the water, only to sink to the bottom again. In the literature, this phenomenon is described as a “predawn dance.” This happens many times.
Future partners exchange clicking signals among themselves. The male's task is to keep up with his dancing girlfriend. If he fails, the bride looks for another groom. It is believed that this is how the female tests the strength of the male. If the choice is made, then the seahorses begin mating.
Pregnant dad
Seahorses are faithful partners and are never separated from each other throughout their lives. At the same time, the male himself bears his cubs, being the only creature on earth in which the so-called male pregnancy occurs.
The mating dance lasts eight hours and is accompanied by a change in color. During the mating process, the female transfers the eggs to her partner in the brood pouch on her abdomen. It is there that miniature seahorses are formed within 40-50 days. From 5 to 1500 fry can be born.
By the way, some scientists claim that the expression pregnant male is not true. The fact is that the responsibility of the “sea horse” is to protect the fertilized eggs. During this period, the female visits the male once a day for 6 minutes of “morning greeting”, and then swims away until the next morning. In captivity, this routine may be disrupted.
The seahorse is an unusual animal that resembles a small magic horse ranging in size from 1.5 to 30 centimeters. It is related to the needlefish. The inhabitant of salty tropical waters is also found off the coast of Eastern Canada and Great Britain. Some species exist in fresh waters. Sea Dweller arouses constant interest among children and adults.
Appearance
Seahorse - interesting facts about appearance for children. Movement involves a small fin on the back, oscillating up to 35 times per second. Rowing with two gill fins maintains vertical balance. They are weak swimmers; some dwarf species move at a speed of one and a half meters per hour. The up-and-down spiral movement ensures a change in the volume of the swim bladder.
They are able to change color depending on the surrounding plants, therefore they are invisible in aquatic environment. The body is covered with a bony shell instead of scales. As if tropical birds, have a rich color palette with stripes and specks. They are difficult to distinguish from corals.
Observation is carried out by a pair of eyes capable of looking in opposite directions.
Beautiful representatives of fish breathe with the help of gills, have a swim bladder located throughout the body, which makes it possible to position themselves vertically in the water space.
A peculiar tail helps to attach to the fins and make long journeys “astride” other fish.
Behavior
Interesting facts about seahorses - behavior. Due to the features digestive system They need constant nutrition, which comes into the body with water. The food is not only plankton, crustaceans, shrimp, larvae, but also small fish. There are no teeth or stomach; absorption occurs through the proboscis. They do not chase prey, but patiently wait for it to swim by itself, so for a comfortable life they need a small current.
Life expectancy is limited to 4-5 years, but they manage to leave millions of offspring.
They do not take root well in aquariums. The reason is an unusual environment, exposure to stress. They need a lot of small animals for food: more than 3 thousand crustaceans and shrimp per day. Without food they quickly die from exhaustion.
The female transfers the eggs from her body to a special pouch for the male. Thus, males bear offspring for 1.5 months. This is one of the few types when a dad rushes around with a child. The number of fry ranges from 1600 to 2 depending on the species. Once born, the cubs immediately set off on an independent journey.
The main enemies of the skate are crabs, penguins, stingrays and other hungry predators. Almost the entire body consists of bones, scales and spines. There are few people willing to feast on such prey.
Red Book
For several years, the unique fish has been a symbol of the naval power of the Northern Fleet. It was displayed on the coat of arms of Zaozersk, a city in the Murmansk region. Then the image of the skate was replaced by a dolphin.
In the coastal waters of Russia there are 2 species of fish living in the Black, Azov and Japanese seas.
The Red Book contains 30 out of 32 species of animals. Their habitats are still polluted, and numerous jellyfish destroy the nutritious plankton. The reason for the mass catch is its beautiful appearance.
One in a hundred fry is able to grow to maturity. The causes of extinction are related to economic activity of people. The fish are caught by the Chinese, Filipinos, and Indonesians for pseudo-medicinal purposes (of course, these creatures cannot cure anyone) and for making souvenirs from dried exhibits.
Seahorse liver and eyes are considered a healthy delicacy and are served in expensive restaurants. Chinese cuisine offers fried skates on sticks.
These creatures are successfully bred in the zoos of Berlin, Stuttgart, Basel, the California Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore.