On December 10, a seahorse was observed in the Bassin des Tralutiers de La Rochelle.
The seahorse of the species hippocampus hippocampus was hung under a pontoon. Pierre Radeau, a member of the marina’s blue brigade, was in the process of reassembling a support intended for the observation of the spawning of cuttlefish, when he noted the presence of the seahorse on the ropes.
It was impressive, it is a small fish which seems fragile but which is also majestic and fascinating.
Pierre Rideau, member of the blue brigade of the marina of La Rochelle
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A few days later, it was by plunging his camera to the bottom of the water that he once again noticed the presence of a seahorse still hanging on the ropes. Pierre Radeau reported these observations to the La Rochelle Aquarium, which is interested in these data. Biologists carry out breeding programs for temperate and tropical seahorses in the Aquarium, which has several specimens on display for visitors.
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“It is very rare to observe them but we are not surprised because the seahorses are present in the sluices off La Rochelle”, assures Guillaume Eveillard, biologist at the Aquarium of La Rochelle. “There are two different species: thehippocampus hippocampus and thehippocampus gulutalus. These seahorses can measure up to 10 centimeters, they feed on crustaceans, it is for this reason that they are found in abundance in the Pertuis d’Antioche, there are many mysis which are small shrimp that seahorses feed on”.
Seahorses are threatened in France and around the world. “There is a greater threat to tropical seahorses because they have been overfished for the Chinese market,” warns the biologist from La Rochelle. “There is a real trade in dried seahorses to make powder for the Asian market,” explains Guillaume Eveillard.
Seahorses are also relatively threatened in Europe by fishing according to this scientist. “Fishermen catch them accidentally in their net and their traps because the seahorses cling, they are brought up by the nets”, explains Guillaume Eveillard.
The seahorse is an endangered species and protected by the Washington Convention. In La Rochelle, the observation of a seahorse happened again in January, “it is an indicator of the quality of the water”, rejoices Pierre Radeau who will continue his experiments within the port of La Rochelle from now on. certified active in biodiversity.
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