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July 23, 2009
Aquarium corrals seahorses in new exhibit
Gallop, trot or drive on over to the Aquarium of Niagara at the edge of the Niagara gorge to see its newest exhibit, seahorses.
Although equine-like in appearance, seahorses live in a totally different environment. They are most frequently found in shallow tropical seas of the world. Its body, at least the head, resembles that of a horse, but it is a bony fish. Instead of scales, it has bony plates covered by thin skin. It ranges in size from about a half inch to more than a foot tall. The Aquarium’s species is one of nearly 40 that have been identified and are about 4 to 5-inches tall. With their prehensile tail, they anchor themselves to sea grass and corals. And unlike vegetarian horses, they are primarily carnivores, munching on tiny animals such as small shrimp, larvae of water insects and plankton.
In the wild, the seahorse’s best defense, and also a clever way to catch lunch, is its ability to change colors, blending in with its environment.
The seahorse is truly a unique animal. Included in the fish family, Syngnathidae, it is one of few species where the male has a pouch on its belly for the female to deposit her eggs. The male acts as an incubator for from two to six weeks, depending on the species and environmental factors. As many as 2,000 eggs may be laid by the female. These little horse-faced critters are also monogamous.
As with several other animal species, most seahorses are endangered around the world, due to habitat pollution and invasive fishing techniques.
The Aquarium’s seahorse exhibit, featuring hippocampus erectus, is on the second level of the facility, next to the Community Room. For more information or questions, call 285-3575. The Aquarium opens daily at 9 p.m. Admission is $9.50 for adults; $6.00 for children.
Watch a related video
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