Camouflage of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi with plastic debris: an unusual type of protective resemblance

• Published in: Marine biodiversity Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 319 - 320
• Main Authors: Marques, S., Barreiros, J. P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-06-2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Camouflage; Coastal ecology; Coral reefs; Debris; Detritus; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Life Sciences; Mangroves; Marine fishes; Oceanarium; Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Plastic debris; Threatened species; Wildlife; Hermit Crab; Sandy Bottom; Reef Fish; Saturated Color; Scuba Diver
• ISSN: 1867-1616; 1867-1624
• DOI: 10.1007/s12526-015-0372-2

The first position observed of the sea horse was the posterior region of its body hiding behind the plastic and using a confusing color as a deceiving mode (Fig. 1a). The present record suggests that the use of plastic debris by seahorses was an occasional option of protective resemblance. [...]the increase of litter and debris in coastal inshore habitats, such as mangroves and coverage of coral reefs, can reduce natural areas of protection and refuge for this threatened species (Lourie et al. 2004). A Guide to the Identification of Seahorses; 2004; Washington, University of British Columbia and World Wildlife Fund: Randall, JE.