The Curious World of Seahorses: The Life and Lore of a Marine Marvel

by Till Hein, Renée von Paschen (Translator)

With the whimsy and heart of The Soul of an Octopus and the surprising details of the very best science writing, The Curious World of Seahorses brilliantly captures the ocean’s most charismatic and mysterious inhabitant. "When God created the seahorse," says one marine biologist, "he may have had one too many."

Of all the creatures in the ocean, there are none more charming and magical—or more strange—than the seahorses. Masters of disguise, graceful dancers, and romantic lovers, seahorses are found not only in the seagrass meadows and mangroves of the world, but also throughout the annals of human history and culture—surfacing everywhere from chess and Greek mythology to Disney movies like The Little Mermaid and Pokémon games.

Equipped with a pouch like a kangaroo, a long snout like an anteater, and complete with a crown unique as a human fingerprint, the seahorse defies easy categorization. The only fish to swim in an upright position, seahorses are terrible swimmers, but they make up for it with an incredible talent for holding onto seagrass or coral. They have no stomach or teeth—only intestines. Most seahorses are monogamous, and meet with their life partner every few weeks to perform a dance that can last up to nine hours. The most unique aspect of the seahorse is their reproductive cycle, as it is the male of the species who becomes pregnant.

In this entertaining and informative book, science writer Till Hein shares the most tantalizing findings from the world of seahorses, and the role they have played in human culture. He reveals their secrets, from their intriguing biological features and hunting strategy to their use in medicine throughout history, their appearances in Greek and Celtic mythology, and even the medieval belief that they descended from dragons. Endlessly fascinating and charmingly approachable, The Curious World of Seahorses will captivate any reader looking to learn more about one of the most incredible creatures on Earth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Biology, Animals, Ecology, Natural History

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[kendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC by Greystone Books!

4.75/5

Loved this book! It was a wonderfully fast read, full of great information and some life lessons. I learned a lot about seahorses, a species I previously had very little knowledge on! I love how he included experts in both the scientific field and aquarists. I also really enjoyed the brief history lesson on aquariums & the aquarium trade!

I particularly loved how the author focused conservation issues on sustainable and manageable solution, and also blamed many of the threats that seahorses face on capitalism and globalization, not on specific countries/people.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for a weekend read to learn more about fish & ocean conservation.

[Katie Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

These guys love to dance and they love to chat and have greattttt camouflage and I love them

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a unique book that is all about seahorses. Hein really covers just about anything you can think of it when it comes to seahorses - varieties, historical references, current scientific research, and even keeping seahorses in a home aquarium. Seahorses are very unique creatures and Hein does a good job of telling the reader all about them. I did find a few of the chapters a little overly scientific, but overall it is very readable. If you're interested in ocean life you will probably enjoy this one.

Some quotes I liked:

"Pairs usually remain together for life. Old tales relate that if one of the partners is caught in a net, the other won't leave it behind - instead voluntarily following it into captivity. Aquarium keepers recount that after the death of a seahorse, it isn't rare for the remaining partner to also perish within the next few days." (p. 90)

"[Philip Henry] Gosse was the person who coined the term 'aquarium' in 1854, in his book of the same name, where he provided helpful tips for friends of the sea to set up their own 'miniature ocean.'" (p. 129)

I also loved that the author referred to seahorse babies as "sea foals."

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors and Greystone Books for the advanced reading copy of this book! I apologize for the lateness of my review.

I highly enjoyed this charming, informative and fascinating adventure into the world of seahorses. I had no idea of their uniqueness and complexity! This book was a nice balance between information and narration, which is a difficult balance to strike in a nonfiction science related book like this. I appreciate that it told not only the science of seahorses, but other perspectives out there, from home aquariums to use in traditional forms of medicine. It covered great distance for its page length! I also loved the touches of humor the author infused into the story. And it really felt like a story! Absolutely loved it.

[Jordan Lombard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book, I only wish there were more pictures of the different species and diagrams. Parts of their bodies would be mentioned, but I wasn’t always sure what it would look like as the different species all look a bit different from each other. But otherwise, I enjoyed reading this and learned a lot!

[Arin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want fun seahorses facts, this is the book for you. If you don't want fun seahorses facts, you need to try to have fun sometimes.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a book that I was hoping would be interested and ended up couldn't find it since one of my cats hid it. I then had two days to read it on time and get it returned back to the library but failed in that regard just since the book couldn't even really hold my interest and bored me to tears.

The Curious World of Seahorses doesn't even start off about seahorses but about a woman who is known for breeding them, the response of the animals to her as their main keeper and how her hobby has basically contributed to the information that we have about seahorses whether in raising them in aquariums or some of their behavior although at the same time there is no actual sure confirmation of what species she started off with. And this is what sets the stage for the book - a few chapters here fully dedicated to seahorses while the rest are devoted to the interactions of seahorses with humans.

First of all the main chapter that explores the details about the seahorse species mentioned in the book (and it is only a handful when you take into consideration there are supposedly 44 at the minimum) can only be found in the back of the book where it basically works as the closing chapter. Honestly I would have loved to see this towards the front while having included with it either color photographs or maybe even a graphic chart so the reader can actually see what it being used as descriptive marks for the specimens instead of having to fish out their phone or computer. And at the same time I would have put together all the chapters about the animal before tackling the issues for the animal instead of having biological information interrupted with a chapter on Woke issues followed by a chapter on how many seahorse species there are.

From there the book also tackles the issue of whether seahorses should be considered great pets (especially when in consideration to beginning hobbyists), their place as TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), the threats caused by human actions and the measures that humans are going to protect them plus one on how they are contributing to the world of science, especially in robotics.

On top of all this there is then the chapter that explores the place of the seahorse in the world of feminist and trans politics while trying to make it seem like the medical field doesn't know about the effects of testosterone on trans men or their fertility thus making for surprise pregnancies or "hint, hint" human seahorses. The notion is a bit silly to me upon reading it while instead of saying many doctors falsely assume I think the book should have just been a bit more honest and said due to lack of research with current trans issues about the effects of hormones on transitioning bodies, especially as there are other factors to consider possibly upon cases in which trans men become pregnant but is that either here or there for a book. Should we even be including such a chapter in a book about animals who even with their backwards gender roles don't make for exemplary parental roles in the first place?

The book does include sketch artwork of seahorse species but these are all done in black-and-white thus taking away from the beautiful colors these animals are known for. Furthermore the sketches are tucked in randomly thus don't act as illustrations for the purpose of this book.

And finally there is mention in part of the book that Dr Adam Lim has written a child's book about seahorses. Curious I chose to see if I could track down this book but I only got as far as the crowdfunding page from 2020 while no seller of books has the book listed. At the same time this book hasn't been posted to YT as sometimes can be found with shared books nor does there seem to be any way of contacting the author to see if he was able to publish the book or not this leading to a break in the shared information.

Otherwise the information when it was there was interesting but along with the politics, the repetitive information, the name-dropping and the lack of good visuals this just wasn't the book for me.

[Paul Sutter]

When you note how some books take you into a deep dive on a subject, that is definitely the case here. When we say “deep dive,” that is into the waters of the world to look at a most fascinating creature. Personally, I knew absolutely nothing about seahorses. They seemed more in the realm of mythology for me. In a way they seem mythical, but they are certainly one of the most fascinating of fish.
Till Hein has done an exceptional job of explaining everything imaginable about their lives and their history. The fact they are as small as a thumbnail and also as big as fourteen or so inches, makes them all the more incredible a part of our world. Like many of us who have taken them for granted, this book outlines everything about them, including the fact these creatures mate for life. As well, it also is amazing to learn that the male seahorse is the one that gives birth. The female seahorse deposits the eggs into the pouch of the male and then he fertilizes them and carries them until they are ready to give birth. They can even carry up to 1600 offspring in that most unique pouch.
Some species of seahorse can live for more than a decade, unless of course a predator catches up with them, while some species barely exist beyond a year. The author talks about the various species of them, and according to Hein there are at least 120 species of them. There are so many characteristics unique to seahorses, that really make them larger than life. They do not have stomachs, they can rotate their eyes 360 degrees, have long tails similar to monkeys, and they have a crown on their head, among other items that truly set them apart from most others in the undersea world.
Unfortunately they are also used for illicit purposes. In fact the author notes that one-quarter of marine products smuggled into and confiscated at airports between 2009 and 2017, were seahorses. They are in demand for illicit purposes. In fact one smuggler was found to have 20,000 dried seahorses in their luggage with a value of up to $10 each.
Other facts of seahorses is aplenty in the book, such as their mating and dancing rituals along with more insight into these wondrous creatures. The book is a joy for young and old alike, a truly informational and inspirational book you will remember for a long time to come.

[Jessica Matts · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I’ve been trying to ‘balance’ my fiction reading with nonfiction…I’m starting to be a little more selective in what nonfiction I’m reading. The reason: I have a lot of nonfiction that deals with more ‘truthful’ history of various places & people…and while I’ve started quite a few of the books—they raise my blood pressure. So, I’ve also been trying to work in more science-themed nonfiction books.

Why did I pick this particular book? Well…I’m working on the summary of a paper that covered the sequencing of the genomes of two seadragon species—which are relatives of the seahorse. I’ll actually be covering a paper (or two) over the sequencing of different seahorse genomes throughout the spring.

I found this book to be extremely interesting—as it covers aspects of seahorse biology, ‘history’ (in terms of the human fascination with them), to the problems facing them today.

I loved this description of them from the book:

“Equipped with a pouch like a kangaroo, a long snout like an anteater, and complete with a crown unique as a human fingerprint, the seahorse defies easy categorization”.

While I knew there were dozens of different species of seahorses…there are a few that I really now want to do in-depth research over, such as the Bargibant’s seahorse (along with the it’s coral ‘host’), different pygmy seahorses (Denise’s & Satomi’s), Knysna seahorse, & the hedgehog seahorse.

These fish have been around for over 50 million years…and we’re driving them closer & closer to extinction…by the illegal wildlife trading/poaching (since they’re still a ‘big’ thing for traditional Chinese medicine), not to mention climate change…the warming of the oceans & the destruction of seagrass fields.

So if you’re interested in one of the more unique fish genera that grace our oceans—I highly recommend this book. I feel like it would fit in well as ‘required’ reading for a high school (or college) biology course (especially a ‘senior’ level college course on fishes). Five out of five stars.

[Kemp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was on my TBR because I’ve always wanted to spot a seahorse when scuba diving. Alas, they’ve continued to elude me. But this book expanded my knowledge of their habitat and highlighted why my efforts have been thwarted.

Hein writes in short chapters covering an aspect of seahorses in general or a characteristic of a specific species with good references to the experts in the field. These early chapters were easy to read and, for the most part, informative.

In an effort for variation, Hein uses horses of the sea and stallion (or mare) of the sea almost as much as seahorse. Perhaps this is a nit on my part, but I found its use too frequent and unnecessary.

The last chapter, the longest, enumerates each species of seahorse with a physical description of it, its habitat, and mating frequencies. A dive book would better suffice over this chapter.

Three Goodread stars, an average book.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Till Hein covers the basics of seahorses: their strange anatomy, their evolution, their habitats, how they feed and their unusual reproduction.

There is information on their popularity as pets and how they are valuable for practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.

A few of the many species within their genus (hippocampus) are profiled and some are shown in line drawings.

Some of the species are on endangered lists and the book outlines what measures have been taken to preserve them. Unfortunately destructive forces of human and nature are difficult to hold in check.

This is an informative book. I supplemented it with YouTube clips... the ones of mating and males giving birth are incredible to see.

This can be handy for those who want an overview of thes unusual creatures.

[Alias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing quality was probably (maybe?) better in its original language. It's a little klunky at times. Organization isn't the best. Loses focus for a good portion of the middle of the book. I wanted more nature documentary, in-depth behavior, anatomy, etc., less human history really only tangentially related to actual seahorses and less "save the oceans" agenda. I'm all for saving the oceans, but it's boring to read about. There were also lots of wordy descriptions of different species' appearances, without even much analysis of why they look that way or side-by-side comparisons or anything. Just felt repetitive and, again, boring... a picture is worth a thousand words!

The story-like beginning that follows the aquarium enthusiast/pet shop owner was the best part.

[TL Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable entry into the "secret lives of" genre that has developed in recent years. I liked the length of this book - it covered a lot of ground but avoided repetition (so many of these books don't) so remained fairly short. The average reader looking to learn does not want a textbook, and this book delivered. It also covered many aspects of seahorses - past, present, and future in it's pages. The main thing I would say is it really needed pictures or drawings, paticularly in the last section comparing the different species.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very comprehensive and delightful read about seahorses! I knew some of the basics and quirks about seahorses but learned even more about their importance in the marine world. I loved some of the pictures throughout the book too. Plus the author had a sense of humor.

Very recommended book about a marine animal that is less familiar to most people. Entertaining and insightful, and good for any animal lover.

Free at my library <3

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book at the library on a whim, seeing it in the New Non-Fiction featured section. I've always been fascinated with seahorses, and this small & slim book has an eye catching green cover.

It was an interesting, if a bit dry, read - and definitely doesn't skimp on the science content.
Just barely over 200 pages, it has bite-size chapters and a few illustrations. I certainly increased my knowledge of seahorses.

[M.A. Dubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book about seahorse behaviors, scientific classification, history, habitat, and conservation. Learned quite a bit more about seahorses. Sometime a bit repetitive, especially about TCM, which would slow my reading down. Would have liked sources added into the text itself instead of two book references at the end. Also not sure why Pokemon's Seadra and Kingdra were catching strays from Hein as ferocious beasts. Hein was diving deep in the weird Dex entries!

[Lara]

i had seen this at one of my local bookstores and opted to get it from the library instead, as I figured I'd probably only read a certain selection of the book. It was a short little book and felt it was more of a collection of essays posed as chapters than a "cohesive" book. It worked fine for this particular book, as I read the chapters that I had an interest in and didn't feel disjointed.

[Morgan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It’s interesting and I loved some of the chapters but some others were a bit drier. The last chapter being just a list of all the different species, with a paragraph or two description annoyed me a bit. It was interesting but kind of felt like a lot all at the end just to add pages. I would’ve appreciated it more if it was spread out across the book as a whole

[niks bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 5 stars
this was such a cute and fun read for me because i went into it already with a love for oceans, aquatic life, etc. 🐚 but this was particularly interesting to read and learn about these marvelous creatures while enjoying a tid bit of quirky humor as well 🩵

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed picking up this book each time I had time to read a chapter. It’s artwork and format are lovely. As with any book I really like, I put off finishing it because I’ll miss the experience.

[Donna Luu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic book on a subject I was unfamiliar with. I liked the end index of common seahorse species, but it would have been much better with color photos. I had to look up photos in another reference book.

[Carly Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about seahorses and this book taught me a lot! It’s not only informative though, the author also shares their fascination and love for these weird fish with the reader.

[Irina Groushevaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t love the translation, it felt clunky at times and some of the humor didn’t carry over, but in general this is a very informative book perfect for anyone curious about seahorses and activism toward marine preservation. Very easy and fast read!

[Dave Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't know why I'm obsessed with seahorses, but this book makes it clear that they are fascinating little creatures and worthy of the obsession. I do wish the book had pictures - I found myself checking for photos on my phone every few minutes.

[Lyn Sweetapple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about seahorses. It is fascinating that energy expenditure is why the male carries the foals in a pouch which functions like a womb. The female then has more energy to create a new set of eggs.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would've liked more photos!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Lisa Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written nature/science book that is entertaining and accessible to everyone regardless of level of scientific knowledge

[Aubree R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Have to really like seahorses though haha.
Wish it was a bit less textbook-y and had more stories (esp the last chapter) as well as more drawings/pictures

[Charlotte Toyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun 101 on seahorses. I enjoyed the facts in an interesting narrative of interviews. The ending was a bit of a drag, but still an intersting read