How is the seahorse

The hippocampus or seahorse is one of the most curious animals that exist . It is a fish and, nevertheless, it does not have scales; the head and neck are arched like those of the horse; the mouth is tubular; the chest is like that of the dove and the tail is prehensile with that of certain monkeys. In addition, it can change color like the chameleon and, like those of this reptile, its eyes either side. To this extraordinary creature, which seems more like the fruit of fantasy, the ancient Greeks called it hippocampus, which means: horsed horse.

How the seahorse swims

Because of its rigid envelope, the seahorse can not do anything horizontally, crossing the water like the vast majority of fish do. Therefore nothing in vertical position and is driven by a tiny dorsal fin, fan-shaped. In addition, it floats thanks to its swim bladder. If some bubbles escape, it descends and stays in the depths until enough gas is produced, so as to be able to rise again near the surface. The pectoral fin and the movements of the tail allow you to make rapid vertical movements.

Function of the tail

The tail of the seahorse is prehensile and, in general, it is rolled forward. With it it is subject to algae or other marine formations when it stops to explore the surroundings in search of its prey.

Where the seahorse lives

This curious creature is just a whim of nature . Because of its outer wrapping, it is not edible. However, in ancient times great virtues were attributed to it: thus, for example, it acted as an antidote, if it was prepared with wine, it produced a strong poison. In the Middle Ages he was advised to fight fever. Today, when chemical and pharmaceutical products have completely replaced it, the seahorse only serves to show one of the virtues with which nature has endowed: the way in which parents take care of their children with dedication.

How the seahorse cares for its young

During the spring a curious nuptial march takes place between the seahorses, lasting one or two days. During it, the female deposits the eggs in a sort of bag that the male has in his belly. For 45 days, it is responsible for hatching the eggs, then the young are born. Then something curious is observed, the male's combulsive movements to throw the 50 or 60 young out of their sack.