Sea Horses

I took this in Carlisle Bay- Barbados- Longsnout Seahorse- found in 1-40 feet of water- range from 2.5- 4 inches in length.

While the number of species of seahorses identified worldwide varies between 35-54 dependent on the source, there are three confirmed species in the Caribbean.  The seahorse is of the genus hippocampus, which is Ancient Greek.  The 'hippos' means - horse and 'campus' meaning sea monster.

These beautiful creatures have many common features to sea dragons, however one commonality which sets both apart from almost all other marine life, is the fact that the male of both has a brood pouch on the front of their tale which carries the eggs.  During breeding season, the female deposits up to 1,500 eggs into the male which will carry the eggs for 14-45 days.  After the male releases the eggs, it gives no further care.  In most species of seahorses, the male will re-mate within hours or days of releasing the eggs during breeding season.

Weedy seadragon-I took this in Australia- shows male carrying eggs

However, of the 3 breeds of seahorses found in the Caribbean, the dwarf, lined, and long-snout  all are monogamous and mate for life.  This means that once the partner has died, the other will not mate again.

Another interesting fact about these creatures is that their stomach does not retain food and they must therefore continuously eat to avoid starvation.  Due to this, the plankton, shrimp and fish larvae they eat passes through their stomach quickly and leaves them hungry for more!

With my diving experience here, I have noticed quite a few long-snout seahorses (sometimes 3-4 per, 1 hour dive), however have yet to identify any of the other two species.