Characteristics of Seahorses

Seahorses are classified as fish, but they are very different from other fish because they have no scales, lack teeth, and do not have a stomach.

There are 35 known species of seahorse around the world.

Seahorses can grow as large as 22 cm but are more commonly between 10 and 15 cm.

Seahorses usually live in underwater sea grass meadows and among reefs. 

They eat small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates.

Seahorses are masters of camouflage and can quickly change color to avoid being eaten by larger fish and birds.

Their eyes move independently - so one eye can look in one direction and the other eye can look at something else!
 

The main thrust comes from their dorsal fin that beats 70 times a minute.

Seahorses also have a prehensile tail that wraps around objects so they can rest or hide themselves amidst protective plants.

Unfortunately, around the world seahorses are rapidly moving toward becoming an endangered species.