Why in News
Researchers have identified a new seahorse species Hippocampus amandavincentae off the southwest coast of Kerala. It has been named after noted marine biologist Amanda Vincent and is India’s 5th known seahorse species.
About Seahorses
- These are small fish that have a head which looks like a horse’s head.
- There are at least 50 known species of seahorses.
- These fish can be found in shallow tropical and temperate coastal waters, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves and estuaries.
- They can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- The male carries fertilised eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch, making seahorses one of the few animals where males give birth.
