We are delighted to introduce Abby to our younger readers (and older readers kids). Abby is the star of the Abby's Aquarium Adventures, a fabulous series of books by Heide de Maine that entertain and teach kids about the inhabitants of our oceans. We are kicking off with a competition offering great prizes so make sure you enter.
Possible world first!
Hi Sea Fans!
Something so exciting has happened in the aquarium world! Last month, some Ornate Ghost Pipefish were collected and put on display at the Steinhart Aquarium in America.
Ornate Ghost Pipefish. Photo: Steve Childs
The female gave birth this month and the babies may be the first captive-reared (meaning that they are brought up in captivity) Ornate Ghost Pipefish ever! How cool is that?!
Let me tell you a little bit about these guys:
The Ornate Ghost Pipefish is a relative of the seahorse and pipefish, but instead of the male carrying the babies, the female is the one that carries the eggs in a special pouch. They are usually found alone or in pairs hanging around corals, feather stars and floating weeds. Their camouflage (disguise) is so good that they are quite difficult to spot! They feed on tiny little "bugs" in the sea called mysids, and they grow to a maximum length of 12 cm. Not very big, but they make up for their size with their beauty.
Baby Ornate Ghost Pipefish. Photo: Steve Childs
So what do you think Sea Fans, amazing little animals, right?!
Go to this link and you can see some video footage of the pipefish at Steinhart Aquarium:
