Seahorses are unique fish. Not only are they monogomous, but they are the only animal in which the male gives birth to the young. There are nearly 50 species of seahorse found in the shallow seas of the world.

Seahorses appear to be monogamous, remaining faithful to one partner for the duration of the breeding season and perhaps over several seasons. The female and male greet daily - changing colour and dancing together.

The female deposits her eggs in the male’s pouch, then the male fertilizes them. The pouch acts like a womb, providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing animals.

After two weeks to one month the male goes into labour - pumping and thrusting for hours to release his brood. The young are miniature adult seahorses, independent from birth, and receive no further parental care.

Seahorses are voracious predators, relying entirely on live, moving food. They wait until prey comes close enough and then suck it quickly out of the water with their long snouts. They have no stomach or teeth.

While seahorses appear to be very different from other fishes in the sea, they are fish nonetheless. They range from 5mm to 30cm in height.

Instead of scales, seahorses have thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates. Some species also have spines, bony bumps, or skin filaments.

Seahorses are masters of camouflage, changing colour and growing skin filaments to blend in with their surroundings.

Seahorses live in the ocean, generally among seagrass beds, mangrove roots, and coral reefs, in shallow temperate and tropical waters.

There are many threats to seahorses; threatened by the destruction of their habitats through human activities. Many seahorses are caught accidentally in fishing nets, particularly in trawl nets intended to catch shrimp.

Seahorses are used in traditional medicine, aquarium fishes, curios (souvenirs), and tonic foods. Traditional Chinese medicine is the largest direct market for seahorses, but they are also used in other traditional medicines.

Dried seahorses are often incorporated into jewelry, key chains, paper weights, and other crafts.

Project Seahorse undertakes research and management options to drive the recovery of seahorse populations and habitats around the world.

We have generated 34 locally-managed marine protected areas and protocols for effective conservation of many marine fish species, including seahorses.

If we get it right for seahorses we will keep our oceans alive.