Wild Wednesday - Seahorses in Sussex | Latest news

Did you know that seahorses live right off the Sussex coast, with sightings in coastal areas near Brighton and also at Chichester Harbour.

There are two species of seahorse found in UK waters, the Short Snouted and the Long Snouted (also known as the Spiny) seahorse. Unsurprisingly, the main difference between them is the length of their snout. At around 15 centimetres they are half the size of a typical ruler. 

These fascinating creatures prefer shallow, sheltered areas, such as seagrass beds and estuaries, which offer camouflage and protection and where they can hide and use their tail to cling onto seagrass and seaweed. 

Both species can change colour to act as camouflage - seahorses aren't the fastest of swimmers, so they rely on concealment tactics to avoid being eaten by predatory fish. 

Most fascinating is the way that males give birth to young (known as 'fry'). The female passes eggs to the male, who looks after them until they hatch.

Seahorses are under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and coastal disturbance which are reducing their numbers. Both the UK species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to disturb or handle them.

Local efforts, such as sea kelp restoration projects, are helping conserve these fragile ecosystems. 

Sussex's seahorses remind us that even small marine creatures play a key role in our coastal biodiversity.

Read more here: 
Long-snouted seahorse | The Wildlife Trusts
Short-snouted seahorse | The Wildlife Trusts