The sea horses have arrived from London Zoo where they were bred. The species is actually native to the UK and can be found in waters off Torquay as well as other shallow inshore waters in western Europe and the Mediterranean. They’re quite hard to find which makes it difficult to know how well the species is doing in the wild.

It is hoped that the six males and six females will eventually breed at Living Coasts.

Sea horses are members of the fish family and breathe using gills. They use their snouts to suck up food. Sea horses pair for life and, every day, the male and female perform a courtship dance for each other.

Sea horses live close to the coast in seagrass beds. Lots of development of coastal areas can affect their habitat and endanger them.