Hobbies And Interests
Seahorse Habitats
Seahorses live in tropical and temperate coastal waters in coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves. Their habitats are in danger due to coastal development, deforestation and coral reef destruction. Destructive fishing methods and human-based water pollution also threaten the shallow habitats typically frequented by seahorses.
Water Pollution
Deforestation and coastal development lead to increased siltation in nearby marine waters. Increased silt in coastal waters suffocates sea grass beds and coral reefs. As the coral reefs and sea grass beds are ruined, the tiny fish and plankton the seahorse depends upon for food are also destroyed. Their shallow, near-shore habitats are also highly affected by human pollution from waste dumping, tourists and construction run-off.
Other Threats to Seahorses
Seahorses are slow swimmers and protect themselves against predators with body armor and by blending in their environment like a chameleon. Some of the biggest threats against seahorses include incidental by-catching by commercial fishery nets and over-harvesting for medicinal purposes, as tourist souvenirs and for the aquarium trade.