Morphology
The Pot-Bellied Seahorse obviously gets its name from its very large, protruding stomach. They can grow up to 13.5 inches long and are bilaterally symmetrical. The ridges commonly seen on their tail are known as "tail rings" and the curled end is called the "tail tip". Pot Bellied Seahorses have a dorsal fin, a pectoral fin, and an anal fin, all used for swimming. They also have a range of different colors and spots all over their body including brown, grey, white, yellow, and orange.
Biology
Pot Bellied Seahorses use their different colors to camouflage and hide from predators and can change colors in a matter of minutes. Their use of camouflage can also be used to catch prey, by hiding and then suddenly attacking. This attack is so fast it can barely be seen by the human eye. The Pot Bellied Seahorse is also a very strong swimmer, and have been known to travel up to hundreds of meters a day.
Distribution Map
Importance
The habitat of Pot Bellied Seahorses range from intertidal rock pools, shallow macroalgal stands, muddy bottoms, and coral reefs. They feed largely on crustaceans, mainly caridean shrimp, amphipods, and peracarids. One important characteristic of Pot Bellied Seahorses is sex role reversals. The females lay eggs, and then the males come to collect the eggs and later give birth. Further research is needed to learn how to preserve this species. In order to effectively conserve a species, it's biology, ecology, range, and other specifics must be known to understand the threats facing it.
Facts
1. Offspring are fully independent after birth.
2. Pot Bellied Seahorses are more active at dusk/night than during the day.
3. Males have longer tails than the females.
4. Pot Bellied Seahorses live in waters than range from 70-80 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Females can deposit up to 700 eggs at a time.
2. Pot Bellied Seahorses are more active at dusk/night than during the day.
3. Males have longer tails than the females.
4. Pot Bellied Seahorses live in waters than range from 70-80 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Females can deposit up to 700 eggs at a time.
Vocabulary
1. pelagic- inhabiting the open ocean
2. ovipositor - egg laying organ in females
3. alga - a collection of taxonomically unrelated group that share some common features but are only grouped together for historical reasons and convenience
4. prehensile - capable of grasping
5. brood patch - area where females lay their eggs
2. ovipositor - egg laying organ in females
3. alga - a collection of taxonomically unrelated group that share some common features but are only grouped together for historical reasons and convenience
4. prehensile - capable of grasping
5. brood patch - area where females lay their eggs