The hippocampus or seahorse is one of the most curious animals that exist. It is a fish and yet it has no scales; the head and neck are arched like those of the horse; the mouth is tubular; The chest is like that of the pigeon and the tail is prehensile like that of certain monkeys. In addition, it can change color like the chameleon and, like those of this reptile, its eyes anywhere. This extraordinary creature, which seems rather the fruit of fantasy, the ancient Greeks called it hippocampus, which means: stooped horse.
The hippocampus or seahorse is one of the most curious animals that exist. It is a fish and yet it has no scales; the head and neck are arched like those of the horse; the mouth is tubular; The chest is like that of the pigeon and the tail is prehensile like that of certain monkeys. In addition, it can change color like the chameleon and, like those of this reptile, its eyes anywhere. This extraordinary creature, which seems rather the fruit of fantasy, the ancient Greeks called it hippocampus, which means: stooped horse.
How the seahorse swims
Because of its rigid envelope, the seahorse can swim horizontally, traversing the water as the vast majority of fish do. That is why it swims upright and is propelled by means of a tiny dorsal fin, in the form of a fan. In addition, it floats thanks to its swim bladder. If some bubbles escape, it descends and stays deep until enough gas is produced to be able to rise back close to the surface. The pectoral fin and tail movements allow it to make rapid vertical movements.
Function of the queue
The seahorse’s tail is prehensile and usually rolls forward. With it attaches itself 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 envelope, it is not edible. However, in ancient times great virtues were attributed to it: thus, for example, it acted as an antidote, if prepared with wine, it produced a strong poison. In the Middle Ages it was advised to combat fever. Today, when chemicals and pharmaceuticals have completely replaced it, the seahorse only serves to show one of the virtues that 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 there is a curious nuptial march among the seahorses, which lasts one or two days. During it, the female deposits the eggs in a kind of bag that the male has in his belly. For 45 days, it is responsible for incubating the eggs, then the young are born. Then something curious is observed, the compulsive movements of the male to throw the 50 or 60 young out of his sac.
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