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New pygmy seahorse discovered, first of its kind in Africa


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In rough, boulder-wtrewn waters off eastern South Africa, researchers have found a new species: a pygmy seahorse about the size of a grain of rice.

The finding shocked them because all seven species of pygmy seahorse, except for one in Japan, inhabit the Coral Triangle, a biodiverse region of more than two million square miles in the southwestern Pacific.

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“It's like finding a kangaroo in Norway,” says Richard Smith, a marine biologist based in the United Kingdom.

Smith sent several specimens of the new species to Short, who analyzed their genetics and body structures using a CT scanner.

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His research revealed that, like other pygmy seahorses, the newly found animal has two wing-like structures on its back, rather than one, as in larger seahorses. These “wings” in general serve an unknown purpose for seahorses.

Like other pygmy seahorses, the African version is thought to eat tiny copepods and crustaceans. It also is well camouflaged to match its surroundings.

Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/05/new-pygmy-seahorse-species-discovered-africa/

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Ryusei

Ugh seahorses are so cute I love looking at them. I could watch them swim around all day

Musery
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Economy

The size of a grain of rice???? :omg:

 

Is that how big a typical sea horse is? I knew they were small but I didn't think they were THAT small

 

Edit: ok searched it up. So most species of sea horses are indeed bigger than this. The smallest less than an inch the largest just over a foot so seems to be a big range

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