Of all the strange creatures that inhabit our oceans, the seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) is one of the most mysterious and unusual. This tiny species is one of the few fish that swims upright, wrapping its curly tail around plants to help it fight the current. In addition, instead of scales, it has bony discs under its skin and, instead of a mouth, it uses its long trunk to feed on plankton.
But perhaps the greatest peculiarity of this species is that it is the males who remain pregnant, carrying the fertilized eggs in a pouch on their belly, nourishing and protecting their offspring until they grow.
TO THE CAPTURE OF THE SPECIES
Despite their unique characteristics, humans have once again unleashed their voracity on this species. In fact, seahorses are frequently used in medicine in China, Japan and Korea, as they are considered useful in treating asthma, sexual dysfunction, depression and other ailments. Thus, the demand for seahorses has skyrocketed in recent decades, in line with the Chinese economy.
Fishing companies around the world meet this demand, either by directly harvesting the species or by accidentally fishing them using trawl nets. Data show that in 2011, around 25 million seahorses (70 tonnes) were traded internationally, between no less than 77 countries. In addition to medicine, these animals are also destined for aquariums, souvenirs and even snacks.
Apart from fishing, seahorses are threatened by other causes that have to do with the destruction of their habitats. In fact, the species inhabits seagrass meadows, mangroves and coral reefs on shallow coasts, ecosystems that are very sensitive to pollution, climate change and other environmental impacts. For example, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 destroyed seagrass beds, resulting in a sharp decline in already threatened seahorse populations.
On the other hand, seahorses are especially vulnerable because they are slow swimmers, have a low population in the world's oceans and are monogamous, showing extreme fidelity to their partner. These factors mean that if one of the members of the couple disappears, the remaining member takes a long time to find a new partner.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists all seahorse species in Appendix II, recognizing that they are on the verge of extinction unless trade is controlled. In this regard, the signatory countries of the Convention agreed to strengthen export controls, granting export permits only when it is clear that the merchandise does not endanger natural seahorse populations.
Despite this, illegal extraction and trade in the species continues, and several countries have decided not to participate in the Convention. As a result, there have been some worrying incidents, including the one in Peru in January 2010, where 25,000 seahorses were confiscated from a warehouse. A Chinese citizen had planned to export them to Japan via Hong Kong. Only a month later, in Panama, 20,000 seahorses were discovered camouflaged inside a shipment of charela maw (fish stomach).
AN ENIGMATIC SPECIES
Recent research, combined with trade records and customs records, shows that seahorse populations have been in rapid decline. Fishermen and divers have reported the disappearance of the species from coastal areas. However, there are still many unanswered questions as it is difficult to study seahorses in the wild. As a result, there is no data on how many still inhabit the oceans, how many new species of seahorse are yet to be discovered, and how their unusual family habits work.
These questions can be answered if we manage and care for our oceans consciously. One thing is clear: robust and numerous seahorse populations are good indicators of environmental health in our oceans. However, where seahorse populations are in decline, we must pay more attention to the reasons for this and dedicate every effort to reducing the threats to these fascinating creatures.
SOME CURIOSITIES
- Seahorses have no teeth or stomach, but use their long snout to absorb crustaceans and zooplankton.
- The smallest species of seahorse is called Hippocampus denise and only reaches 16 mm in length. Other seahorses can reach 35 cm in length when mature.
- They are not strong swimmers, so they use camouflage to escape predators. A species related to the seahorse, and the greatest example of marine camouflage, is the leafy sea dragon (photo), which has long leaf-like extensions extending from its entire body.
- Also like chameleons, their eyes can move independently of each other.
- Adults live from 1 to 3 years, and only a few of the eggs from each clutch (which can number up to 2,000) survive when they leave the parental pouch.
FOUNTAIN: Oceana. Protecting the world's oceans
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