Where does the seahorse live? The seahorse is an incredible creature. Description and photo of the seahorse
The seahorse is an amazing and unusual representative of tropical waters. Its appearance and some features of life differ from representatives marine environment. Among connoisseurs of such individuals, a common question is: is a seahorse a fish or an animal? The answer to it is simple - the individual belongs to the animal kingdom and the class of Ray-finned fish. After many years of research, scientists have proven that the animal is a close relative of the pipefish.
The seahorse belongs to the animal kingdom and the class of ray-finned fish.
General information
Since the animal is considered a highly modified species of pipefish, it belongs to the order Aciliformes. The unusual body of the skate really resembles a chess piece. Perhaps this was the reason to give the animal such a name.
In its natural environment, the seahorse can be found in subtropical and tropical waters around the world. Salty and extremely clean water - best condition for him comfortable stay. The size of the seahorse is small and ranges from 2 to 30−32 cm. It is quite rare to find individuals that reach 35 cm in length.
There are many theories about where the seahorse lives, as it has been seen in different corners planets. Most often the animal can be found in water bodies of Australia, sometimes England. Sometimes individual species are found in the Azov and Black Seas. It prefers to stay close to the bottom and uses algae as cover, camouflaging itself in their thickets and changing color according to the color they are painted in.
The seahorse prefers to be at the bottom of the reservoir and hide in the algae The body of the fish is covered with a very hard and bony shell., which protects against negative environmental influences. Often the body has spines of different lengths and shapes, some are covered with long ribbon-like processes different colors. Surprisingly, this fish has no scales. A special feature of the structure will be the head, since it is very firmly attached to the body and does not rotate. If the horse wants to look back, it turns its whole body or bulges its eyes.
Each eye moves separately from the other. This feature is also inherent in chameleons, which can rotate each eye separately in a circle. There is some debate about how long seahorses live, as they usually live up to 4 years, but in some cases you can find representatives who live up to 6 years.
Another feature of the fish is its vertical arrangement in the water. This is possible due to the fact that the swim bladder is divided into two sections by a thin septum and allows it to maintain a vertical position.
Popular types
There are about 50 species of seahorses in their natural habitat. Each of them differs in size, appearance and some structural features. The most common are the following:
In Southern Japan you can find dwarf individuals. They are painted in light colors with purple stripes or spots. They camouflage well as corals. They have a body length of no more than 3 cm. They prefer not to descend to a depth of more than 40 meters.
Nutritional Features
Amazing fish are one of the few species that are not hunted by other inhabitants depths of the sea. It's all about the structure of the individuals, in which spines and bone plates predominate. Large animals are unable to digest such food. predatory fish or other hunters. The only one who can eat the skate is the sand crab, whose stomach is able to digest what it eats.
The skates themselves feed on plankton.
The favorite delicacy of these unusual fish is baby crayfish and other small fish. Thanks to the amazing ability of the skate to camouflage itself and remain motionless for several hours, it successfully hunts them. It waits for the moment when the victim approaches and sucks it along with water into its mouth.
U seahorses no stomach. That's why they are very gluttonous Despite their small size, seahorses are very voracious and are capable of hunting and eating large numbers of small individuals for up to 10 hours a day. This is due to the fact that individuals do not have a stomach, so food passes through all sections quite quickly digestive system. If you keep them in captivity, Several feeding rules should be followed:
- Captive-bred specimens are capable of feeding on dead daphnia, shrimp and other small specimens, as well as dry fish food.
- The food should only be fresh.
- Individuals should be fed regularly, but avoid overeating, as in captivity this can cause a variety of diseases.
It is possible to install a variety of feeders in which food is placed. A few days after installing such an innovation, the individuals themselves will understand that this is a new place for eating. Several long rods or sticks should be installed near the feeders so that the skates can cling to them while eating.
Reproduction of seahorses
Unusual fish lead a sedentary lifestyle and are in one place almost all the time. In case of danger, they can develop decent speed or are attached to big fish so that they could move them to a safer place.
The fish is faithful and throughout his life prefers to be close to one partner. Only in rare cases does a female or male change her life partner. The most incredible thing will be the fact that in a married couple the male bears the offspring. After the start of spawning, the couple performs a certain mating dance for a long time. After this, the female transfers the eggs to a special pocket, which is located on the male’s belly.
After 2 weeks of gestation, the fry emerge from the pocket, are already independent and immediately set off for free swimming. Various types Pipits are distinguished by their fertility and can lay from 5 to 2000 eggs at a time.
Breeding skates in captivity is quite difficult and an aquarium hobbyist will not be able to cope with it. Despite the fact that individuals are quite popular among aquarists, keeping them in an artificial environment has many nuances. If the conditions are not met, they begin to get sick and die.
Currently seahorses different types are on the verge of extinction. This is due to the fact that in many countries fish is considered an expensive delicacy and is caught on an industrial scale. In some regions of Australia and Asia, skates are used as raw materials for the preparation of various ointments and medications.
ABOUT healing properties Humanity has known the meat of this amazing fish since ancient times and included it in many dishes. However then amateur fishing could not significantly reduce the number of individuals. Now, catching has really become a problem, as it is gradually leading to the complete disappearance of the species.
If you don't live near a warm ocean or water park, you probably haven't seen seahorses or sea dragons to understand just how amazing these tiny creatures are. Their long, elongated heads, like those of a horse, give them an almost mythical image. In reality, they are not immortal, and besides, many die during the storm. Sea “horses” hide with the help of excellent camouflage; long spines and ribbon-like outgrowths make them invisible in their natural environment. aquatic environment.
Seahorses range in size from 2 to 20 centimeters. Seahorses how leafy sea dragons and pipefish bear their offspring in special pouches where the female spawns. The burden of maternal care falls on. With such entertaining and interesting facts, as well as amazing photos of seahorses we invite you to familiarize yourself.
Seahorses (Hippocampus) - gentle and beautiful creatures get their names from the ancient Greek "hippo", which means "horse" and "campos" - " sea monsters" The genus Hippocampus includes 54 species of marine fish.
The spotted seahorse in the photo is 15 centimeters long and lives up to four years.
A spectacular rainbow seahorse in Hamburg, Germany.
Leafy sea dragons at Georgia Aquarium. Sea “monsters” live off the southern coast of Australia and are masters of camouflage. Seemingly harmless, the sea dragon is a real predator - it feeds on small fish and shrimp.
The weedy sea dragon is endangered. With their small tubular snouts, relatives of seahorses suck up tiny prey, sometimes including various debris.
Leafy sea dragons at Birch Aquarium, San Diego, California. They can grow up to 35 cm in length. When the males are ready to mate, their leafy tails turn bright yellow.
Black Sea seahorse rare sight in shallow waters, Romania.
Leafy sea dragon in an aquarium, Atlanta. In nature they live in tropical coastal waters South and Western Australia.
Spiny seahorse(Hippocampus histrix) gets its name from the spines protruding from it. Usually lives in - from 3 to 80 meters. One of the largest species of seahorses and can grow up to 17 cm.
Seahorse at the Oregon Aquarium. Seahorses are not good swimmers. The other is the only species of fish where the males carry unborn offspring.
Weed sea dragon near seaweed, Sydney, Australia. Brown algae and reefs provide them with good camouflage and protection from predators.
At first glance, seahorses appear to be pregnant, but they are not. Bellied seahorses(Hippocampus abdominalis) is a separate species and one of the largest, can reach a length of 35 cm.
The spiny seahorse, like most of its fellows, is in danger of extinction. Human appetite for exotic fish is growing, because skates were included in the list of fish protected by the Convention on international trade species wild fauna and flora that are under threat of destruction.
Leafy sea dragons, like their relatives, weed dragons, are very caring fathers. They bear their offspring on themselves. The fry that are born immediately become independent.
Pipefish another distant relative seahorses. This creature has a longer, straighter body with tiny mouths.
Another of the seahorse relatives at the Wilhelm Zoo, Germany.
Macro photographs of gray and yellow seahorses at Zurich Zoo. When eating or interacting with other relatives, these fish make a “clicking” sound.
Seem like there is love between them...
Leafy sea dragons dance at the Dallas Aquarium. The only working fins are on the chest and back, so sea dragons are not very fast - 150 meters per hour. Individuals were observed that spent up to 68 hours in one place.
A pygmy seahorse provides excellent camouflage against soft corals near Cebu, Philippines. Pygmies reach a maximum length of 2.4 cm. The habitat ranges from southern Japan to Northern Australia in reef areas at a depth of 10-40 meters.
Pipefish - Solenostomus paradoxus - off the coast of Thailand. Close relatives of seahorses come in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from 2.5 to 50 cm.
Excellent camouflage.
Weedy sea dragons close up. Left: Shelly Beach weed dragon, Australia, right: eggs on male dragons.
Morning mating dances of seahorses.
The skinny body of the weed dragon “flies” through the water. The body of the sea dragon and its color develops based on the environment and food.
The skinny and toothless pipefish has a snake-like body.
Seahorses are voracious. The absence of a stomach and teeth forces them to constantly feed. In this regard, they consume up to 50 shrimp per day.
Before mating, the courtship ritual of seahorses lasts several days. Few couples stay together for life; most stay together only during the mating season.
A miracle of nature.
Perfection of nature.
Close-up
Friendly family.
Schultz's pipefish - Corythoichthys schultzi - in Egypt.
Different types of seahorses and dragons.
Seahorses are the slowest sea fish.
Only 1% of fry grow to adulthood.
Seahorses are masters of camouflage.
The pygmy pipit is one of the smallest vertebrates in the world against a backdrop of soft corals.
Stunning shot: a kiss between lovers.
The beauty of a leafy sea dragon.
The pipefish family includes: seahorses, pipefish, leafy and weedy sea dragons.
Spiny seahorse.
The proud loneliness of a seahorse.
Close-up.
Curiosity.
The seahorse is a genus of small marine bony fish of the pipefish family of the order Acutes. The number of species of seahorses is about 50. Unusual shape The body of the skate resembles a chess piece of a knight. Numerous long spines and ribbon-like leathery outgrowths located on the skate’s body make it invisible among the algae and inaccessible to predators. The sizes of seahorses range from 2 to 30 cm, depending on the species to which a particular individual belongs. Interesting feature seahorse is that the male bears the offspring.
The taxonomy of the seahorse is very confusing due to the unique ability of these fish to change their appearance - color and even body shape. The closest relatives of seahorses are small fish - pipefish, which have much in common in the structure of the body with skates. However, the body shape and manner of movement in the water of sea “horses” is completely unusual.
The body of seahorses in water is located unconventionally for fish - vertically or diagonally. The reason for this is the relatively large swim bladder, most of which is located in the upper part of the seahorse's body. It is impossible to confuse these graceful and colorful fish, which look like jewelry or toys, with any inhabitant of the water element.
The body of a seahorse is not covered with scales, but with bony plates. Spiked armor protects them from danger. The armor is so strong that it is almost impossible to break even from a dried-up dead belly. However, in its shell it is so light and fast that it literally floats in the water, and its body shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow - from orange to bluish blue, from lemon yellow to fiery red. In terms of the brightness of its colors, this fish can be compared with tropical birds and brightly colored fish of coral reefs.
These fish live in tropical and subtropical zones. Their range encircles the entire globe. Seahorses live in shallow waters among thickets seaweed or among the corals. These are sedentary and generally very sedentary fish. Typically, seahorses wrap their tail around a branch of coral or a tuft of sea grass and spend most of their time in this position. But large sea dragons do not know how to attach to vegetation. For short distances they swim holding their body vertically; if they have to leave the “home”, they can swim in an almost horizontal position. They swim slowly. In general, the character of these fish is surprisingly calm and meek; seahorses do not show aggression towards their fellow fish and other fish.
They feed on plankton. The smallest crustaceans they track, rolling their eyes funny. As soon as the prey approaches the miniature hunter, the seahorse inflates its cheeks, creating negative pressure in the mouth and sucks up the crustacean like a vacuum cleaner. Despite their small size, skates are big eaters and can indulge in gluttony for up to 10 hours a day.
Seahorses have only three small fins: the dorsal one helps to swim forward, and two gill fins maintain vertical balance and serve as a rudder.
In a moment of danger, seahorses can significantly accelerate their movement, flapping their fins up to 35 times per second (some scientists even put the figure at 70). They are also masterful at vertical maneuvers. By changing the volume of the swim bladder, these fish move up and down in a spiral. However, seahorses are not capable of swimming rapidly - they are considered record holders for the slowest swimming among famous fish. Most of For some time, the seahorse hangs motionless in the water, its tail hooked on algae, coral, or even the neck of a relative.
Skates can ride “astride” 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.
Seahorses have large eyes and quite sharp vision. Their tail is curved toward the belly, and their heads are decorated with horns of various shapes.
The skates' eyes move independently of one another. 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.
Seahorses have the ability to change the color of their bodies, which allows them to skillfully camouflage themselves in thickets and among the bottom landscape. A lurking seahorse is almost impossible to spot in ambush unless you look extremely closely. The ability to camouflage is necessary for seahorses both for protection and for successful hunting, because they are active predators.
In the seas washing the shores of Russia, seahorses are represented by only two or three species - the Black Sea seahorse: found in the Black Sea and Seas of Azov, as well as the Japanese seahorse living in the Sea of Japan. Occasionally in the Black Sea you can find a long-faced seahorse, common in the seas of the Mediterranean basin. For permanent residence, seahorses choose quieter places; rapid current and they don't like noisy tidal waves.
Seahorses are monogamous fish; they live in married pairs, but can periodically change partners. It is characteristic that these fish carry eggs, with males and females changing roles. IN mating season in females, a tube-shaped ovipositor grows, and in the male, thickened folds in the tail area form a pouch. Before spawning, partners perform a long mating dance.
The female lays eggs in the male's pouch and he carries them for about 2 weeks. Newborn fry emerge from the pouch through a narrow opening. Sea dragons They do not have bags and carry eggs on the stem of the tail. The fertility of different species ranges from 5 to 1500 fry. Newborn fish are completely independent and move away from the parent pair.
Among the seahorses there are also very small representatives, a couple of centimeters in size, and there are also, of a kind, giants up to 30 centimeters long. The smallest species, the pygmy seahorse, is found in the Gulf of Mexico. Its length does not exceed four centimeters. In Black and Mediterranean seas You can find a long-faced or spotted seahorse, the length of which reaches 12-18 centimeters. The most famous are representatives of the species Hippocampus kuda, which lives off the coast of Indonesia. Seahorses of this species, about 14 centimeters long, are brightly and variegatedly colored, some speckled, others striped. The largest seahorses are found near Australia.
The life expectancy of seahorses is, on average, 3-4 years. The extreme vitality of these fish is known - once removed from the water, they can live for several hours and return to normal life, if they are released into their native element.
Natural enemies seahorses have few - its body is extremely bony and covered with bony formations. Therefore, it is hunted only by a large land crab, which is capable of digesting such difficult-to-digest prey. Seahorses are not dangerous to humans. This is a peaceful, harmless fish, and also very small.
The greatest danger to seahorses is man himself. Nowadays, seahorses are on the verge of extinction - their numbers are rapidly declining. 30 species of seahorses out of 32 known to science are listed in the Red Book. There are many reasons for this, and one of them is the massive catching of skates off the coast of Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and the Philippines. The exotic appearance of the fish has meant that people use them as souvenirs and gifts.
A separate point in the decline in seahorse populations is the fact that the taste of these fish is extremely valued by gourmets. Seahorse liver and caviar are considered a delicacy, although they have some laxative properties. A seahorse dish costs up to $800 per serving in some restaurants.
A huge number of seahorses (according to some estimates - up to 80 million seahorses per year) are used in countries Pacific region Asia and Australia for the production of medicines and drugs. These medications are used as pain relievers, for coughs and asthma, and also as a remedy for impotence. IN recent years this Far Eastern “Viagra” has become popular in Europe. People have known about the healing properties of seahorse meat since ancient times. Seahorses have been used to prepare various medicines and potions in many countries.
It is not very easy to keep seahorses in aquariums; they are demanding of food and are susceptible to disease, but it is very interesting to watch them.
Seahorses can sing. During mating games they perform peculiar dances around their partners and accompany themselves with clicking sounds, the tempo of which can vary.
Based on anatomical, molecular and genetic research the seahorse was revealed to be a highly modified pipefish. Fossilized remains of seahorses are quite rare. The most studied fossils of the species Hippocampus guttulatus (synonym - H. ramulosus) from the formations of the Marecchia River (Italian province of Rimini). These finds are dated to the Lower Pliocene (about 3 million years ago). The earliest seahorse fossils are believed to be two Middle Miocene spinyfish species, Hippocampus sarmaticus and Hippocampus slovenicus, discovered in Slovenia. Their age is estimated at 13 million years. According to the molecular clock method, the seahorse and pipefish species diverged in the late Oligocene. There is a theory that this genus appeared in response to the emergence of large areas of shallow waters, which was caused by tectonic events. The appearance of vast shallows led to the spread of algae, and, as a result, the animals living in this environment.
The seahorse is an unusual animal that resembles a small magic horse ranging in size from 1.5 to 30 centimeters. Has family ties with needle fish. The inhabitant of salty tropical waters is also found off the coast of Eastern Canada and Great Britain. Some species exist in fresh waters. The sea dweller is of constant interest to children and adults.
Appearance
Seahorse - interesting facts for children o appearance. 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 upward and downward 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 the 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 peculiarities of the digestive system, they need constant nutrition, which enters 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, so for comfortable life you need a little 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 runs around with a child. The number of fry varies 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 who want to feast on such prey.
Red Book
For several years, the unique fish has been a symbol sea power Northern Fleet. It was displayed on the coat of arms of Zaozersk, a city in 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 species of animals out of 32. 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 human economic activities. 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.