3. Description -Seahorses compose the fish genus Hippocampus within the family Syngnathidae, in order Syngnathiformes-They are mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world-They prefer to live in coral reefs, ormangroves
4. Seahorses swim upright, another characteristic that is not shared by their close pipefish relatives, which swim horizontally Seahorses have a coronet on their head, which is distinct to each individual, much like a human fingerprint Seahorseshave no caudal fin because they are poor swimmers
5. Reproduction When mating, the female seahorse deposits up to 1,500 eggs in the male's pouch. The male carries the eggs for anywhere from 9 to 45 days until they emerge, expelling fully-developed, miniature seahorses in the water Once the seahorse babies are released into the water, the male's role is done and he offers no further care
6. Courtship Scientists believe the courtship behavior synchronizes the animals' movements so that the male can receive the eggs when the female is ready to deposit them. The female inserts her ovipositor into the male’s brood pouch and deposits dozens to thousands of eggs. As the female releases her eggs, her body slims while his swells. Both animals then sink back into the seagrass and she swims away.
7. Gestation The male releases his sperm directly into seawater where it fertilizes the eggs. The eggs then hatch in the pouch where the salinity of the water is regulated. The pouch provides oxygen as well as a controlled environment incubator.
8. Birth When the fry are ready to be born, the male expels them with muscular contractions. He typically gives birth at night and is ready for the next batch of eggs by morning when his mate returns. Like almost all other fish species, seahorses do not nurture their young after birth.
9. Feedinghabits Seahorses feed on small crustaceans floating in the water or crawling on the bottom. With excellent camouflage and a lot of patience, seahorses ambush prey that float within striking range. Mysid shrimp and other small crustaceans are favorites, but some seahorses have been observed eating other kinds of invertebrates and even larval fish.
