Seahorses Ashley Schobert

Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Osteichthyes Picture: Pygmy Seahorse Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Osteichthyes Order: Sygnathiformes Family: Syngnathidae Genus: Hippocampus http://www.arkive.org/pygmy-seahorse/hippocampus-bargibanti/video-10.html

Dimensions Length: 2-14 inches Height: 6 inches Weight: 7 ounces-1 pound Colors & Markings: Light tones (White, yellow, tan), spots Other: Color and markings vary http://www.arkive.org/dwarf-seahorse/hippocampus-zosterae/video-00.html

Habitat Part of World: Caribbean region, Temperate or Tropical waters Environment: Shallow waters with abundant vegetation

Diet Herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore: Carnivore Meat: Plankton, fish larvae, and small crustaceans

Family Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPlnqckOPdY When Born: Breed in summer, re-mate within hours of giving birth Seahorses are NOT mammals Number Born: 8-2000 Gestation: 10 days-6 weeks Care of: Not taken care of due to drifting away after birth The male seahorse is pregnant after female pumps eggs into the male’s stomach

Shelter Shelter: Seaweed or tall sea grasses, also may hide on the ocean floor Picture: Leafy Sea Dragon

Social Behavior Social Behavior: Does not live in a group but stays with mate Temperament: Peaceful, relaxed Habits: Cling to seaweed, swim in vertical position

Defenses Defenses: Camouflage, some can change color Acquiring Food: Suction feeding-Bones and muscles creating suction force Life Span: 1-5 years

History When did your mammal first appear? According to fossils, about three million years ago Is your mammal endangered? Not officially but populations are in trouble Relationship to Humans: Will swim away if approached by humans

Sources http://www.seaworld.org http://www.wikipedia.com http://www.biodavidson.edu http://www.aquarium.org http://www.wikianswers.com http://www.gma.org http://www.montereybayaquarium.org http://www.seahorsesource.com