Is the seahorse a fish?

As we already know the seahorse is a fish, but now let’s know what kind of fish it is and what is special about it. Among the characteristics that define the seahorse as a fish we have:

• It belongs to the class Actinopterygii : which is a group of bony fish, with ray-type fins, which are formed from webs of skin, supported by bony or horny spines.
• Seahorses are found within the Syngnathiformes order : which brings together fish with elongated bodies, somewhat narrow and surrounded by bony rings. Also, the mouth is tubular in shape and small. However, the most peculiar feature of the group is that it is the males who are dedicated to the breeding and care of the embryos, which they keep in an osmoregulated bag until they develop.
• As for the family, it corresponds to Syngnathidae, which are fish that live in temperate or tropical seas worldwide: some are located in shallow waters, but others in the open sea. In addition to the elongated snout, the jaws are characterized by being fused. There are no pelvic fins and the body is covered by bony armor plates. This armor gives them a rigid body so they are relatively slow to swim compared to other types of fish, although they can control their movements with great precision.
• In relation to the genus, all seahorses are classified within Hippocampus : in relation to the number of species, these are very diverse, and vary according to the source ^{[1] [2]} , so they are reported from 41 to about 72.
• The seahorse, being a type of fish that does not have the same swimming skills as other species, is usually found clinging through its prehensile tail : to corals, plants or any other surface from which it can be fixed. In this sense, their habitat is made up of sea grass beds, coral reefs , mangroves or estuaries, which are ecosystems that provide them with protection and the possibility of staying attached.
• Another of the customs that characterizes the seahorse corresponds to the fact that it is one of the few fish that swims upright and moves vertically .
• In relation to the behavior prior to the fertilization of the eggs, seahorses have a complex and long period of courtship. Various species of these fish also form lasting bonds, while others frequently change partners.
• On the other hand, it is a carnivorous fish : it feeds mainly on small crustaceans, other invertebrates and larvae. You may be interested in consulting the Classification of invertebrate animals .
• The seahorse is a type of fish that causes concern in the scientific community : because the real state of various species is unknown, but in general it is known that they are highly susceptible animals subjected to constant pressure from human actions. . In some cases, it has been possible to establish the conservation status of some species, which have been included in the categories of vulnerable and endangered .