Seahorse In the Coral

by Donna Kennedy

Title

Seahorse In the Coral

Artist

Donna Kennedy

Medium

Digital Art - Mixed Media

Description

Seahorse in the Coral - AI+digital artwork by Donna Kennedy-edited in PS and Topaz Studio…

Seahorse, (genus Hippocampus), any of about 50 species of marine fishes allied to pipefishes in the family Syngnathidae (order Gasterosteiformes). Seahorses are found in shallow coastal waters in latitudes from about 52° N to 45° S. Their habitats include coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, and estuaries. They are unique in appearance, with their horselike head, prehensile tail, independently moving eyes, and brood pouch. They have long, tubular snouts and small, toothless mouths. Their bodies are covered with consecutive rings of bony plates. The tiniest species is no bigger than a lima bean; the largest can reach more than a foot from head to tail tip.
Seahorses are rather immobile, swimming more slowly than other fishes. When swimming they maintain a vertical position and propel themselves forward using a soft-rayed dorsal fin. They use pectoral fins located on the side of the head to maneuver. Some scientists contend that this upright swimming posture evolved shortly after the expansion of sea grasses in the western Pacific roughly 25 million years ago. These plants provided seahorses with useful hiding places to avoid enemies and to capture unsuspecting prey. Seahorses are usually found clinging to plants or corals with their tails. Their sedentary habits coupled with excellent camouflage abilities render them successful ambush predators. When small organisms swim nearby, a seahorse may capture them by rapidly sucking them into the mouth. Seahorses also rely upon camouflage to avoid predators such as crabs and other fishes.
In a reproductive role reversal unique to seahorses and others in the family Syngnathidae, males experience pregnancy. During mating a female uses a tube called an “ovipositor” to place her eggs into the male’s frontal “brood pouch.” He then incubates, nourishes, and carries the young to term—usually two to four weeks. With powerful contractions he’ll give birth to fully developed fry, from dozens to more than a thousand depending on the species. Newborn seahorses, set adrift, are immediately vulnerable to predators, and few survive their early days.

Thank you to the Administrators that Featured this photo in the following Groups:
-Intent of the Artist
-Digital Art
-Animal Mania
-Underwater Life

Uploaded

February 9th, 2024

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