Sea-Horse Frolic

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+3s dance down 1 place and cast up back to place; 1s+3s set and cross RH with partner
9-16 1s+2s also 3s+4s set and dance ½ RH across; 1s+4s set and dance ½ LH across. (2)4(1)3
17-24 2s+1s lead down 1 place, cross to own side and cast up 1 place, all dance DoSiDo with partner. 2413
25-32 2s+4s also 1s+3s dance R&L

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

Having a head and neck suggestive of a horse, seahorses also feature segmented bony armour, an upright posture and a curled prehensile tail. Along with the pipefishes and seadragons (Phycodurus and Phyllopteryx) they form the family Syngnathidae."sea monster" or "sea animal".

Seahorses inhabit shallow tropical and temperate saltwater environments globally, spanning from approximately 45°S to 45°N. They prefer sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, estuaries, coral reefs, and mangroves. Four species are found in Pacific waters, ranging from North to South America, while in the Atlantic, Hippocampus erectus extends from Nova Scotia to Uruguay. The dwarf seahorse, H. zosterae, is specifically located in the Bahamas. Notably, colonies have been discovered in European waters, including the Thames Estuary.

In the Mediterranean Sea, three species-H. guttulatus, H. hippocampus, and H. fuscus-form territories, with males confining themselves within 1 m² (10 sq ft) of habitat, while females cover a significantly larger area, around one hundred times that size.

Seahorses exhibit limited swimming abilities, relying on the rapid fluttering of a dorsal fin and the use of pectoral fins for steering. Among them, the dwarf seahorse (H. zosterae) holds the title of the world's slowest fish, with a maximum speed of approximately 1.5 metres (5 feet) per hour. Satomi's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus satomiae) is the smallest known seahorse in the world with an average length of 13.8 millimetres (½ in).

Due to their inefficient swimming, seahorses commonly rest by wrapping their prehensile tails around stationary objects. These unique creatures feature elongated snouts, adept at suction-feeding, and possess eyes capable of independent movement, resembling the chameleon's visual adaptability.

The Seahorse Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of seahorses and their habitats. Founded by marine biologist Dr. Neil Garrick-Maidment in 1999, the trust operates in the United Kingdom and globally, working towards the preservation of these unique and vulnerable marine species.

For example The Seahorse Trust, in partnership with Boatfolk, promote Ecomoorings which feature a 2-metre helical screw anchored into the seabed, connected to a 2-metre elasticated riser leading to a surface mooring buoy. As the tide fluctuates, the elasticated rode expands and contracts, preventing the riser from dragging or running on the seabed. This design allows seagrass to flourish around it, promoting a larger and higher-quality seagrass habitat.

The increased seagrass coverage benefits diverse species, including seahorses, by providing an optimal environment for their habitation.

Sea Horse - Information Video

Spiny Seahorse (Hippocampus Histrix) - Northern Coast Of East Timor

Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus Bargibanti) - Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia

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