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SEAHORSES
THE SEAHORSE TRUST | DEVON | ENGLAND
It is not common knowledge that there are actually two native species of sea-horse in UK waters: the Short Snouted and the Spiny seahorse.
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They can both grow to a maximum length (or height) of around 15 cm to 17 cm and live in shallow, inshore waters in the warmer months of the year. Here they reside amongst rocks, mud, seaweeds and sea-grass which they cling to with their prehensile tails.
The main difference between the two species is the length of the snout, although the Spiny Seahorse can be further distinguished by the presence of longer spines on the back, just above the dorsal fin and especially on the head. Both species of seahorse can change colour to match their surroundings or when they are doing a courtship dance. Seahorses feed mainly on very small marine crustaceans like plankton and have an impressive snout designed...
WORDS: FAITH MILLWARD
IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE SEAHORSE TRUST
