The tail on both males and females, he added, permits seahorses to grab onto blades of sea grass and other aquatic vegetation. Many seahorses have evolved plant-like anatomical features, so swimmers by often miss seeing them, thinking they are just part of the marine flora. Unfortunately, human collectors don't always miss these exotic, beautiful fish. Of the 34 known seahorse species, eight are now listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List." "So little is known about seahorses that we are at risk of losing these animals before we even know them," said Ava Ferguson, senior developer for "The Secret Lives of Seahorses," an exhibit now underway at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. "Until recently we had no idea that seahorses were being caught and collected at a rate that threatens their survival." She remains hopeful, however, that conservation measures may save both seahorses and their homes. "When you save a seahorse," she said, "you also save some of Earth's most precious marine habitats." Related Links: |
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