Seahorses: How They Live, Survive, and Die

Around the world, there are about 35 different species of seahorses. These species are in the same class of bony fish (Actinopterygii), such as salmon or tuna, and in the same family as sea dragons and pipefish. These bony fish can be found, from 50 degrees north to 50 degrees south latitude, mostly living in the West Atlantic and the Indo Pacific region or tropical climates, and live about fifty feet in deep water. Seahorses appear having a horse-like head, monkey tail and kangaroo-like pouch. Each one of their two eyes moves independently, and in all directions. This allows the seahorse to maximize its search for food. These species swim vertically or upright. Seahorses have no stomach or teeth, and obtain their food by waiting until their prey comes close enough to suck them, with their long snouts (a fused jaw) or swallow life food whole. 

Seahorses prey on small crustaceans such as amphipods, brine shrimp, tiny fish, and plankton. They get rid of their excrement's, while doing a 360 degree turn around or dance. There skin is stretched over a series of bony plates that are visible as rings around the trunk. A group of spines on the top of the head is referred to as the cornet, and looks like a crown. Seahorses manage to camouflage themselves, from their enemies, by changing color and growing skin filaments to blend in with their surroundings. Most seahorses range from beige to brown to black in colors, change to fluorescent orange and deep purple, depending on the species. Also, during courtship and daily greetings, will change color. Seahorse enemies include, tuna, Dorado, penguins and other water birds, have found seahorses in their stomachs. The greatest predator, are humans capturing seahorses.