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.
Sea Horse is one of the especially outlandish representatives 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 similarity of these small bony fish With 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 god water flows and the sea, whenever Neptune went to check his possessions, he harnessed a “sea needle”, very similar to a horse, to a 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 start 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’s also interesting is that these sea fish have eyes that look in different directions.
And also these little, cute ones sea creatures They swim not horizontally, but vertically and have scales all over their body, 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 twisted, long tail of a 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 - skates cling with the help of their long tails for corals or algae 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.
Sea Horses, despite their numbers, are considered rare fish, therefore 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 keep track temperature conditions 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 nutrition will also be important for them, because these beautiful inhabitants sea people like to eat a lot of meat and exotic foods often. A seahorse should eat at least four to five times a day, receiving meat from shrimp and crustaceans. To do this, you can buy frozen invertebrate molluscs 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; therefore, in order to maintain themselves normally and not lose energy balance, they require a lot of food.
- Seahorses do not have scales, which is why they are easily susceptible to any infections, especially bacterial ones. Ecosystem moderator closed space should frequently inspect the body of the seahorse, which may have damage.
- 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 fry seahorses are born after 30 days in numbers 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. Such neighbors for skates can be fish - gobies and blennies. 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.
If you don't live near a warm ocean or water park, you probably haven't seen seahorses or sea dragons to understand 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 underwater environment.
Seahorses range in size from 2 to 20 centimeters. Seahorses, like leafy sea dragons and pipefish, bear their young 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 in southern shores Australia 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 most large species seahorses and can grow up to 17 cm.
Seahorse at the Oregon Aquarium. Sea Horses are not good swimmers. The other one is the only kind fish, when 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) 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, which is why skates have been added to the list of protected fish under the Convention on International Trade in 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. Born fry immediately become independent.
Pipefish another distant relative of 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 maximum length 2.4 cm. Residential zone 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.
Weed 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. Body sea dragon and its color develops based on environment, food products.
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.
Nature miracle.
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.
Many have seen these marine inhabitants 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 of seahorses in Lately sharply decreased due to the destruction of their habitats.
- Sea Horses - the only fish having a neck. 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. S shape body 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.
- 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 big crabs.
- Seahorses are susceptible to stress. Mortal danger are often stressful for 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.
- 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.
- The horse is on the coat of arms of the city of Zaozersk. For several years in a row on the coat of arms of the Russian city of Zaozersk ( Murmansk region) a seahorse was depicted. The image was supposed to symbolize sea power Northern Fleet. But since seahorses are not found in the waters Barents Sea, the image of the skate 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.
- 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.
- 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, earth's crust Shoals formed in the oceans and algae began to spread.
Seahorses have always surprised people with their unusual appearance. These amazing fish are one of the most ancient inhabitants of the seas and oceans. The first representatives of this fish species appeared approximately forty million years ago. They got their name because of their resemblance to the chess piece knight.
The structure of seahorses
The fish are small in size. Most major representative This species has a body length of 30 centimeters and is considered a giant. Most of seahorses have modest dimensions 10–12 centimeters.
There are also very miniature representatives of this species - dwarf fish. Their dimensions are only 13 millimeters. There are individuals measuring less than 3 millimeters.
As mentioned above, the name of these fish is determined by their appearance. In general, it is not easy to understand that this is a fish and not an animal at first glance, because the seahorse bears little resemblance to other inhabitants of the sea.
If in the vast majority of fish the main parts of the body are located in a straight line located in a horizontal plane, then in seahorses the opposite is true. They have basic body parts located in a vertical plane, and the head is at right angles to the body.
To date, scientists have described 32 species of these fish. All pipits prefer to live in shallow waters warm seas. Since these fish are quite slow-moving, they value most coral reefs and coastal bottom, overgrown with algae, because there you can hide from enemies.
Seahorses swim very unusually. Their body stays vertical in the water while moving. This position is ensured by two swim bladders. The first is located along the entire body, and the second in the head area.
Moreover, the second bladder is much lighter than the abdominal one, which provides the fish vertical position in water when moving. In the water column, fish move due to the wave-like movements of their dorsal and pectoral fins. The vibration frequency of the fins is seventy beats per minute.
Seahorses also differ from most fish in that they do not have scales. Their body cover the bone plates, combined into belts. Such protection is quite heavy, but this weight does not in the least prevent the fish from floating freely in the water.
In addition, bone plates covered with spines serve as good protection. Their strength is so great that it is very difficult for a person to break even a dried skate shell with his hands.
Despite the fact that the seahorse's head is located at an angle of 90⁰ to the body, the fish can only move it in a vertical plane. In the horizontal plane, head movements are impossible. However, this does not create any review problems.
The fact is that this fish's eyes are not connected to each other. The horse can look with its eyes in different directions at the same time, so it is always aware of changes in the environment.
The seahorse's tail is very unusual. He twisted and very flexible. With its help, the fish clings to corals and algae when hiding.
At first glance, it seems that seahorses should not have survived the harsh sea conditions: They slow and defenseless. In fact, the fish flourished until a certain time. The ability to mimicry helped them in this.
Evolutionary processes have led to the fact that seahorses can easily merge with surrounding area . At the same time, they can change the color of their body either completely or partially. This is quite enough to sea predators could not notice the skates if they hid.
By the way, these sea inhabitants use the ability to change the color of their body in mating games. With the help of the “color music” of the body, males attract females.
Most people believe that these fish eat vegetation. This is a misconception. In fact, these sea fish, for all their seeming harmlessness and inactivity, are notorious predators. The basis of their diet is plankton. Artemia and shrimp- their favorite delicacy.
If you carefully examine the elongated snout of the skate, you will notice that it ends in a mouth that acts like a pipette. As soon as the fish notices the prey, it turns its mouth towards it and puffs out its cheeks. In fact, the fish sucks in its prey.
It is worth noting that these sea fish are quite voracious. They can hunt for 10 hours straight. During this time they destroy up to 3,500 crustaceans. And this is with a stigma length of no more than 1 millimeter.
Reproduction of skates
Seahorses are monogamous. If a couple has formed, it will not break up until the death of one of the partners, which is not uncommon in the living world. But what's really surprising is this birth of offspring by males, not females.
This happens as follows. During love games, the female, using a special papilla, introduces eggs into the male's brood pouch. Fertilization also occurs there. Then, males bear offspring for 20 and sometimes 40 days.
After this period, the already grown fry are born. The offspring are very similar to the parents, but the body of the fry transparent and colorless.
It is noteworthy that males continue to care for their offspring for some time after birth, which, however, very quickly becomes independent.
Keeping seahorses in an aquarium
You should know that these fish cannot be kept in a regular aquarium. Skates need special conditions to survive:
Do not forget that these fish are quite dirty, so the water in the aquarium must be well filtered.
As you remember, skates in nature like to hide from predators in algae and coral reefs. This means they need to create similar conditions in aquarium. To do this, you can use the following elements:
- Artificial corals.
- Seaweed.
- Artificial grottoes.
- Various stones.
An important requirement is that all elements should not have sharp edges that could damage the skates.
Feeding requirements
Since in nature these fish feed on crustaceans and shrimp, you will have to buy frozen Mysis shrimp for your pets. You need to feed the skates in the aquarium at least twice a day. Once a week you can pamper them with live food:
- krill;
- Artemia;
- live shrimp.
Seahorses cannot compete for food with aggressive fish. Therefore, the choice of comrades for them is limited. Mainly different types of snails: astrea, turbo, nerite, trochus, etc. You can also add a blue hermit crab to them.
In conclusion, we will give one piece of advice: get all the information you have about these sea creatures, before starting your first pack.
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 their back that moves up to 35 times per second, and pectoral fins, which would be more correctly called rudders. And the dwarf seahorse is generally recognized as the most slow 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 resembles a ramjet engine, so they have to eat constantly so as not to die of hunger. 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 in different directions, 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
Nai great danger for seahorses is caused by strong rolling motion, leading to exhaustion and complete loss 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." morning greetings" and then sails away until the next morning. In captivity, this routine may be disrupted.
For good health
Before mature age Only one in a hundred fry survive. In fact, this figure is one of the highest for fish. Recently, the greatest danger to seahorses has been humans; in particular, about 20 million of these fish are caught annually by the Chinese for traditional medicine, primarily for the treatment of impotence.
It is also claimed that a decoction of them helps overcome nocturnal enuresis. Seahorses sell for an average of $600 to $3,000 per kilogram. There are cases when these dried fish were exchanged for gold by weight one to one. In addition to the Chinese, Indonesians and Filipinos also catch seahorses. As a result, almost all seahorse species are listed in the Red Book. And a species like the Paradoxical Seahorse is considered extinct.
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