Fact of the Day: Pygmy Seahorse - Oceana USA
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July 23, 2010

Fact of the Day: Pygmy Seahorse

BY: MollyH

What is one inch long, matches the corals in which it primarily lives, and has a prehensile tail?

You guessed it (or read the title of today’s FOTD)- a pygmy seahorse!

Pygmy sea horses are less than an inch long and are really well camouflaged to match the gorgonian corals they inhabit.  These tiny seahorses use their prehensile tails to sturdy themselves and further blend into their surroundings for protection. 

Like other seahorses, the female pygmy seahorse gives her eggs to the male pygmy seahorse, which then carries the eggs in a small pouch and fertilizes them. 

In addition, they are super cute! What’s your favorite tiny animal of the oceans? Not sure? Check out Oceana.org/Explore to pick your favorite and then let us know!