There are over 32 species of seahorse, mainly found in tropical and subtropical coastal and reef waters all over Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. This is what makes Thailand Phuket in particular such a great place to go looking for seahorses. Places like the Similans which is a chain of islands off the north west of Phuket in a marine national park and home to many protected creatures. The Similan national park also includes a couple of islands further north mainly Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. Then to the north again lies the Surin islands. Again another national park and this one is the hone to the world famous Richelieu Rock. When in Phuket diving there are many good dive sites but if you have the time and want something special then a Similan liveaboard is well worth a look.
Seahorses are a genus (Hippocampus) of fish belonging to the family Syngnathidae, which also includes pipefish and leafy sea dragons. There are over 32 species of seahorse, mainly found in tropical and subtropical coastal and reef waters all over Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Colonies have also been found in European waters such as the Thames Estuary.From North America down to South America there are approximately four species, ranging from very small in size (dwarf seahorses are only about an inch long) to those much larger, found off the Pacific Coast of Central America (the foot-longHippocampus ingens). Hippocampus erectus are bigger and fatter seahorses found anywhere from Nova Scotia down to around Uruguay. These fish form territories, with males staying in about one square meter of their habitat while females range about one hundred times that area. They bob around in sea grass meadows, mangrove stands, and coral reefs where they are camouflaged by murky brown and grey patterns that blend into the sea grass backgrounds. During social moments or in unusual surroundings, seahorses turn bright colors. According to co-founder of Project Seahorse, Amanda J. Vincent, mates can blush a shade of creamy yellow when meeting each other in the morning. She even encountered one male who took the shade of the orange tape she used to mark the grid in the study area. Thats what makes the seahorse such a great thing to watch as when diving in Phuket there is so much color that the seahorses are as varied in colour too.
You can read more here: Thailand Divers Fish and Marine Creatures Guide From Phuket Thailand & The Similans
You sound like a diver. And similar to my learning path. Except mine was more educanis interuptis. Started college fall of '74. Eventually got a be in psych and a minor in bio. Graduated mid '80's, I think.
ReplyDeleteAlong the way got certified as a paramedic and eventually taught paramedics the art of being one. As far back as I can remember, I have had desire to help others. Thus my convoluted educational path. Teaching allowed me to give back what I had been taught- in the classroom or experiencially. I taught doctors, nurses, pa's advanced cardiac life support, and paramedics too. Learned a wide range of rescue techniques from mountain rescue to underwater rescue and a lot in between. I loved teaching, for me it was just giving back what I had been given.
In 1973 I got certified as a scuba diver. Dove off and on. Eventually I went around the world and got college credit for it thru the Semester at Sea program. Dove in the Philippines. Was like swimming in an aquarium with no walls! I was hooked!! Jobs, completing my college degree and other stuff stalled my recreational diving adventures. Late 80's moved to San Diego for another paramedic position. Did a little diving, I really don't like cold water!! Eventually I became a divemaster which allowed me to get paid for diving!!! Imagine that, paid for what I loved doing! Became a certified instructor about a year later. Teaching and diving! I had heard that if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life. Works for me!
Anyway, your blog along with the underwater photos put, this lady must be a diver in my head. I was surprised to find you weren't when I got to the end of your narrative. For me, cold water sucks. Don't know if you have an interest or ability to learn scuba, but I think you'd enjoy it! A whole 'nother world opens up!