Dive into the watery world of these unusual animals.
Learning Objective: Students will ask questions and obtain information about seahorses.
Fishy Identity
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A seahorse is not a horse—it’s a type of fish! Like all fish, they breathe through gills. They also have a swim bladder, a balloon-like sac in their bodies that helps them move up and down. Their Latin name, Hippocampus, means “horse animal.” It’s inspired by the animals’ long snout.
There are 47 species of seahorses found in shallow seas around the world!
Predator That Stays Put
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Seahorses are not strong swimmers. They prefer to stay in one place. They use their flexible tail to hold on to coral while they scan for prey. Seahorses will slurp up any fish or shrimp that swim by!
Wild Parenting!
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Seahorses can be as small as a jelly bean or as large as a banana!
Seahorse dads have a surprising job. They get pregnant and give birth! Male seahorses have a special pouch on their bellies to store eggs. A female puts her eggs in a male’s pouch after doing a twirling dance with him. When it’s time to give birth, the male tenses his pouch and releases tiny baby seahorses into the world.
Master of Disguise
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Can you spot the seahorse?
Seahorses can transform their bodies to camouflage, or blend in, perfectly with their surroundings. Their skin has special cells that can change colors. Some species even have textured skin or spines, which help them match the look of the coral or plant they live on.
