There are 54 different species of seahorses which are named after their horse-like shape. Due to a shortage of evidence, little information is known about the reproductive rates, population and preserving state of these animals. However, judging from the ever-changing climate, there is a higher possibility that their population has reduced because of the smaller habitats. Millions of seahorses are killed yearly for the traditional medicine trade. Another big threat is that many seahorses are caught together with the starfish which are dried and sold to tourists as souvenirs(纪念品).
Seahorses have an appearance of horse-like heads and necks. They also show the unique skill of swimming upright and use their fins to control themselves. Unlike most other fishes, a seahorse has a bent tail like a fishing hook. So they are poor swimmers and one of the slowest swimming fish in the world. They often circle their tails around something to rest.
Seahorses are mainly found in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds and river-mouths to ocean. Males stay within an 11 square feet of habitat while females live over large areas, hundred times this size.
During mating, the male seahorse uses its central, front-facing bag on the side of the tail to hold over 1,500 eggs for a period of 9 to 45 days. Once the young seahorses mature(成熟), they are let out into the water to live for themselves. Seahorses do not take care of the young ones after birth. Therefore, a variety of animals and strong waves can kill babies.
The seahorses use excellent cheating skills and patience as tools to kill little animals such as some shrimps, small fish and other creatures. During feeding, they produce a special click. Similar sounds can also be heard during social activities.
【小题1】What might cause the drop of the seahorse population?| A．Low reproductive rate. |
| B．Being caught by starfish. |
| C．Bad cheating skills. |
| D．Being killed for medicine. |
| A．Physical description. | B．Swimming skills. |
| C．Horse-like tails. | D．Unique life. |
| A．People have known a lot about seahorses. |
| B．Seahorses mainly feed on various sea grasses. |
| C．The baby seahorses face many threats in growth. |
| D．Female seahorses take up a smaller habitat than males. |
| A．Lifestyle. | B．Nature. | C．Economy. | D．Culture. |
