When a creature so unusually beautiful is found, humans often feel the urge to catch and kill it for their own selfish desires. This is exactly what is happening not only to the pacific seahorse, but to all forty-seven species of seahorse that roam the oceans around the world. From phony medicinal treatments to expensive jewelry, a human’s use of a seahorse is completely unnecessary. Their habitat, predators, prey, life cycle, reproduction, and the human impact influence the way this species lives. The humans that poach these beautiful creatures need to learn to respect them.
The range in size between different seahorse species is quite great; ranging from about 10mm to 300mm. Among the smallest are the pigmy seahorses while the …show more content…
As for humans, the main reason for the exploitation of seahorses is due to selfish desires. Although it is thought to have some medicinal purposes, no true research has been done to show the effect of it’s usage. Humans also purposely catch seahorses for aquariums or to dry them and use them for jewelry and decoration. This overfishing has actually altered the way some species behave, forcing them to give up their diurnal ways and become more nocturnal for their own safety. Other human implications include habitat loss through freshwater flooding, pollution, dredging, dynamiting, silting, and lodging (Dames, 2000). There are also more natural occurrences that impact seahorses, such as their predators. The pacific seahorse is prey to crabs, fish, and seabirds. Outside of the Pacific, penguins are also big predators of seahorses (Dames, 2000). Fierce storms are also dangerous to small seahorses or those living in shallow waters. To help protect against their predators, seahorses have an easily-camouflaged body that can blend into their background, as well as having independent moving eyes that can help them spot predators. But these prove as the only methods of defense for seahorses, which explains their high mortality rate and relatively short life …show more content…
Contrary to most animals, the male carries the pregnancy. This is made possible by the males having a brood pouch that are common of marsupials.They also produce the female hormone during pregnancy- prolactin. Pairs reproduce several times a year when females deposit eggs into the male's pouch. They are then fertilized and enveloped in tissue for anywhere from 10 days to 6 weeks, depending on the species. After birth, babies are totally independant (Restrepo, 2004). A seahorse’s life can then last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. It is suggested that they mate for life, or at least for the year. When seahorses find a place to live they usually are inhabitants for long periods of time and have small ranges when searching for food or mates.
Pacific seahorses live a generally static life among beautiful coral reefs or mysterious mangroves. They reproduce through pregnant males and are constantly pushed to the brink. Currently they are on the Red List of Threatened Animals and are at risk for extinction, predominantly due to the human exploitation of the species. Instead of admiring the beauty of a seahorse in your own home, admire it in it’s natural habitat. Seahorses are just another species among hundreds that need a human's help in keeping it
The range in size between different seahorse species is quite great; ranging from about 10mm to 300mm. Among the smallest are the pigmy seahorses while the …show more content…
As for humans, the main reason for the exploitation of seahorses is due to selfish desires. Although it is thought to have some medicinal purposes, no true research has been done to show the effect of it’s usage. Humans also purposely catch seahorses for aquariums or to dry them and use them for jewelry and decoration. This overfishing has actually altered the way some species behave, forcing them to give up their diurnal ways and become more nocturnal for their own safety. Other human implications include habitat loss through freshwater flooding, pollution, dredging, dynamiting, silting, and lodging (Dames, 2000). There are also more natural occurrences that impact seahorses, such as their predators. The pacific seahorse is prey to crabs, fish, and seabirds. Outside of the Pacific, penguins are also big predators of seahorses (Dames, 2000). Fierce storms are also dangerous to small seahorses or those living in shallow waters. To help protect against their predators, seahorses have an easily-camouflaged body that can blend into their background, as well as having independent moving eyes that can help them spot predators. But these prove as the only methods of defense for seahorses, which explains their high mortality rate and relatively short life …show more content…
Contrary to most animals, the male carries the pregnancy. This is made possible by the males having a brood pouch that are common of marsupials.They also produce the female hormone during pregnancy- prolactin. Pairs reproduce several times a year when females deposit eggs into the male's pouch. They are then fertilized and enveloped in tissue for anywhere from 10 days to 6 weeks, depending on the species. After birth, babies are totally independant (Restrepo, 2004). A seahorse’s life can then last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. It is suggested that they mate for life, or at least for the year. When seahorses find a place to live they usually are inhabitants for long periods of time and have small ranges when searching for food or mates.
Pacific seahorses live a generally static life among beautiful coral reefs or mysterious mangroves. They reproduce through pregnant males and are constantly pushed to the brink. Currently they are on the Red List of Threatened Animals and are at risk for extinction, predominantly due to the human exploitation of the species. Instead of admiring the beauty of a seahorse in your own home, admire it in it’s natural habitat. Seahorses are just another species among hundreds that need a human's help in keeping it