New Zealand is home to one of the worlds largest sea horses - but if you see one this summer keep your distance, the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says.
The pot-bellied sea horse, which can reach up to 35cm in length is found around New Zealand's coastline, usually in seaweeds at a depth of 5-10 metres, Dr Chris Woods, a scientist of Niwa's Christchurch marine ecology and aquaculture group, said.
Snorkellers should watch out for the creatures, which were most active at dawn or dusk, but remember not to touch them -- just admire from afar.
Sea horses have a large belly and armour-like skin. They propel themselves by using a small fin on their back that flutters and fins on the head which steer it.
"They're not fast swimmers -- in fact people are faster," Dr Woods said.
There are 38 species of sea horse worldwide.
Their genus name, Hippocampus, comes from the Greek hippos, meaning horse and campus, meaning sea-monster.
It is the male which carries the young, after the female presses her abdomen against his open pouch and squirts her egg in to be fertilised.
Dr Woods, who had worked in sea horse aquaculture for nine years at Niwa, was currently researching developing sustainable and effective aquaculture species opportunities and culture practices.
He was also looking into marine biosecurity, assisting with preventing, detecting, and responding to incursions of non-indigenous marine species in New Zealand.
"What I enjoy most about the work that I do is, firstly, having the opportunity to study and understand our fascinating and varied marine biota, and secondly, working with a great group of talented and enthusiastic colleagues," he said.
Large-bellied or pot-bellied sea horse facts:
- Maori name: Manaia
- Scientific name: Hippocampus abdominalis
- Diet: Small crustaceans, such as shrimp and amphipods, which it sucks through an elongated snout, having no teeth or stomach
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Size: Up to 35cm long
- Vision: Their eyes move independently of each other
NZPA