Big-belly seahorse
The big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) is the largest species of seahorse.
Where to find them?
This species is found in one of the “Mysteries of the Sea” exhibition tanks of Oceanogràfic.
General aspects
Despite their strange shape, seahorses are fish. Their reproduction is very peculiar: the male becomes pregnant, the eggs being transferred from the female.
The male fertilises the eggs within its brood pouch and incubates them. When the eggs hatch in the pouch, the male releases the newborns.
Of the 33 existing species of seahorses, 32 are endangered. This is due to millions of seahorses being sold each year to make souvenirs and use in traditional eastern medicine.
Did you know...?
The seahorse swims very slowly. It would take two and a half days to travel 1km.