Sea Horses are one of nature's most unique animals, and it is not only the horse like features that make them so unique. Sea horses can be found in temperate to tropical waters all over the world and are a close relative to the pipefish.

There are thought to be 35 distinct species of Sea Horse, but due to their size and difficulty to find, the chances of undiscovered species are very high. It is hard to estimate wild populations, but Sea Horses are becoming rare in Asia, due to the fact that they are believed to contain medicinal properties, which had led to a large decline in numbers. Sea Horses are also under threat from water population, habitat depletion as well as harvesting for private aquariums.

Sea Horses range in size quite dramatically, with the smallest species measuring in at only 16mm, up to around 35cm. for the largest species. Sea Horses can be seen at various locations around the Andaman Sea, and divers with a keen eye or accompanied by a experienced divemaster a have great chance to find the magnificent animals. Sea Horses are commonly seen around the Bida Islands of Koh Phi Phi , Shark Point , Koh Doc Mai and also in the Similan Islands .

Sea Horses diet mainly consists of fish larvae and amphipods, the sea horses use its long snout to suck up its food. The most unusual part of a sea horses life occurs during breeding. The female sea horse places her unfertilized eggs into the male's broad pouch, the male then fertilizes the eggs with his sperm, the fertilized eggs will then stay and develop inside the male during the two to three weeks pregnancy. Once hatched the tiny baby sea horses are immediately fully independent of their parents, and will have no further contact with them. The majority of sea horses will mate for life, with male and female strengthening their bond every day by engaging in courtship displays in the morning.

Sea Horse populations are thought to be in grave danger due mainly for their use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought that around 20 million sea horses are caught every year for the purpose alone.

 
Note to the Diver

To help try and limit the population decline of wild sea horses, please never buy any sea horse souvenirs or medicine containing sea horses. Also please never touch or harass sea horses, they are very delicate creatures and like to be left alone, strong flash photography also is discourage as the power of the flash can be harmful to the creature. 

• Bida Nai
• Shark Point
• Koh Doc Mai
• Richelieu Rock