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04/07/2009
Companion book to the aquarium’s newest special exhibition explores the remarkable world of seahorses and their kin
You’ve seen the exhibition, now read the book. That’s what the Monterey Bay Aquarium is recommending once you’ve explored its new special exhibition, “The Secret Lives of Seahorses.” Just published, the companion book offers yet another level of information on these bizarre and beautiful creatures.
Seahorses are strange and secretive. They grow up, choose mates and give birth in remarkable ways. Scientists know of some 45 species right now, ranging in size from the Pacific seahorse that grows up to a foot long, to dwarf seahorses less than an inch long. Leafy seadragons, potbelly seahorses, banded pipefish, longsnout seahorses and shrimpfish are all in the family.
“The Secret Life of Seahorses” book includes stunning photography that illustrates the diversity among seahorses and their kin, some of which are so improbable as to appear to be a fish designed by committee. Seahorses have the head of a horse, the grasping tail of a monkey, the rotating eyes of a chameleon and the protective pouch of the kangaroo. In their world, it’s the males who get pregnant and give birth.
The book, like the exhibition, seeks to raise awareness about how threatened these fragile creatures are. “Seahorses are wonderful ambassadors for ocean conservation,” says Senior Exhibit Developer Ava Ferguson. “They live in the most endangered habitats in the world—coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangrove forests.”
Eight seahorse species are listed as threatened to some degree, having been heavily depleted when killed as bycatch, excessively collected for the curio trade, or used in traditional medicines.
Written by Nora L. Deans and developed jointly by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Service Systems Associates, its retail partner, the 16-page book sells for $9.95 and is available either in the aquarium’s gift and bookstores, or may be ordered through the aquarium at 877-665-2665.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans.
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Editors: Review copies are available on request.
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