By Andrepiazza (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Remember the "horse of a different color" in the Wizard of Oz? Well, that may have been pure fiction, but when it comes to seahorses, it's really true!
Depending on the species, their natural color can be any of a number of colors, including white, yellow, pink, orange, blue, red, green, purple, and gray. Some kinds are "patterned," too. For example, the tiger tail seahorse has yellow and black stripes, especially on their tails. Some have blotches of bright color, or even spots that resemble polka dots.
The tiny pygmy seahorse lives among colorful sea corals, and their color matches the coral on which they live. There are eight different pygmy species, all less than one inch long!
Like chameleons, they can change colors to match their surroundings, but they are even quicker at it than chameleons. This is a good defense mechanism. Since their limited swimming skills do not allow them to swim away from predators, they 'hide' by appearing to become part of the background.
Color changes are also a part of the mating ritual.
So, you see, a Seahorse really is a horse of a different color!













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