3 things that you didn’t know about seahorses

Seahorses are creatures with fascinating features. They are known for their recognisable horse-like head, an extended mouth and a curling tail. You probably also know of the unique fact that male seahorses are the ones who give birth and not female sea horses. But did you know they make growling and purring sounds while meeting their mate and are loyal to them? This is not the only exciting factoid about seahorses. Let us look at them, one by one.  

Seahorses are used in Chinese medicine 
Yes, you read that right. People in China believe that these marine fish have medicinal values. Every year, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in China, including Hong Kong, use 250 tonnes of seahorses! They dry these seahorses and use them in TCM formulations to treat ageing, as it is believed to strengthen the kidneys and boost immunity! Also, many ailments, including sore throats, diarrhoea, and fractured bones, can be treated by seahorses. Furthermore, ancient Chinese texts even mention a mystical mixture of seahorses and spiders that enables you to breathe underwater! Even though the beliefs relating to seahorses’ therapeutic qualities have a long history, they have a significant influence even today! Owing to their therapeutic values, these innocent sea creatures have been extensively hunted. Every year, millions of seahorses are caught and sold due to the increase in demand for traditional medicine. Therefore, conservation organisations are seeking to make seahorse fishing more sustainable and to protect these creatures.  

There is a hotel network for seahorses  
No, it is not a hotel you visit for dinner! These are 3×3-foot boxes with mesh and a metal bar frame that serve as seahorse hotels or places for seahorses to breed safely. These seahorse hotel networks were constructed by Dr David Harasti (senior marine scientist for fisheries in New South Wales) along the eastern coast of Australia, around Sydney Harbour. He designed the hotels, based on the design of lobster traps, to provide enough grip holds for seahorses’ unique coiled tails.  

So, you are probably wondering what purpose these hotels serve. Well, to tell you, these hotels primarily care for and breed a species called White's Seahorses (Hippocampus whitei), which are endangered and whose number has drastically declined over the last 20 years. Dr. Harasti works with the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, which grows and breeds seahorses. If the hotels are successful, they might be set up in other reefs worldwide. 

Various cultures believed seahorses to have magical powers 
Once upon a time, seahorses were believed to be endowed with magical powers. The ancient Greeks, Europeans and Asians assumed that seahorses to had a mystical significance. Seahorses were thought to represent strength and power because these qualities defined the Greek sea god Poseidon. Ancient Europeans believed that the seahorse could carry the spirits of fallen sailors to the underworld, guarding them till their destination. And there is more. In the Chinese civilization, seahorses were respected for their strength and were regarded as lucky emblems since they were considered a form of sea dragons!