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- SEA LIFE, Seahorse Kingdom
As members of the same family they share some interesting traits; their jaws are fused to form a straw-like snout, instead of scales they have thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates and they are slow swimmers.
Perhaps the coolest thing about this group is that the males brood their babies! A male Seahorse has a brooding pouch on its belly into which a female can place her eggs. After a few weeks when the babies are ready, the male Seahorse gives birth. He rocks back and forth like a rocking-horse whilst the tiny baby seahorses pop out from a small hole in his tummy.
You can discover these amazing creatures as you journey into ‘Seahorse Kingdom’ during your visit. Scroll down to read more!
Here at SEA LIFE London Aquarium we have successfully bred 5 species of seahorse and pipefish. When we have babies these can sometimes be seen on the Behind the Scenes Tour!
Did you know that there are two species of Seahorse that can be found in the waters around the UK and Ireland?
Seahorses
You can find seahorses in oceans all over the world! There are over 40 species. Some live on coral reefs, others amongst mangrove roots and many live in seagrass meadows. Pygmy Seahorses are as tiny as your little finger nail, but Big-belly Seahorses will be even bigger than your hand!
Their Ancient Greek name is Hippocampus, which means ‘horse sea monster’. However, we don't think our seahorses are monsters at all!
Unfortunately, seahorses are at risk of extinction due to the pollution and destruction of their habitat. 150 million seahorses are also captured and killed every year to use in traditional medicine.
Weedy Seadragons
Weedy Seadragons are only found to the waters off south and east Australia. They hover and bob through the water slowly, drifting on the current like a piece of seaweed. Seadragons have slender, bony bodies, striped in rich purple, vibrant orange and ruby red; mimicking the seaweed and kelp in which they hide.
Fortunately they are well protected by the Australian government from fishing, however they are still threatened by pollution, habitat loss and global warming.
Pipefish
Pipefish are masters of disguise; their slim, elegant bodies look just like the seagrasses and seaweeds in which they live.
Like Seahorses and Seadragons they prey on tiny plankton which they suck up food through their straw-like snouts at lightening speed. Look for the tell-tale puff of shredded shell from their gills when they've just caught a tasty morsel!
