Seamoth

Pegasus of the sea - Seamoth, Pegasidae

The seamoth aka sea dragon fish is an alien-like creature that "crawls" across the ocean floor, any divers who meet them under the sea will be certainly amaze by how bizarre it is.

Seamoth is refered to a family of fishes known as Pegasidae, which is named after the winged horse in Greek mythology - Pegasus. The reason is pretty obvious as it has large wing-like pectoral fins, just like the Pegasus wings. Seamoth has thick bony plates covering its flattened body. The rough texture of the bony plates and ability to change colors makes the fish a master in camouflaging in the sandy substrate. It can even burrow into the substrate to avoid predators.

Short dragonfish at the Stella Maru wreck off Trou aux Biches, Mauritius

© Hans Hillewaert

A Sculptured Seamoth, Pegasus lancifer, at St Leonards Jetty, Port Phillip, Victoria. Source: Julian Finn / Museum Victoria.

Extraordinary adaptations

the seamoth fish is a benthic dweller, it means that it lives at the ocean floor. It has adapted to this lifestyle by modifying its pelvic fins into crescent shape that can be used to "crawl" across the seafloor effortlessly! It also possesses a long snout with toothless jaw to capture its prey by sucking the worms/ small invertebrates out of tiny spaces such as their burrows. In mating season, some male species will open and display the beautiful patterns on their large pectoral fins to attract the females.

Conservation status

Seamoth fish is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN as it faces great risks. Seamoth fish primarily lives at the coastal tropic of Indo-pacific waters which is regularly exposed to various exploitation such as tourism, mining, fishing and etc. The effects of bottom trawls and coastal development alter the benthic habitat in a serious manner causing these precious creatures to lose their home. To make it even worse, seamoth fish is caught on purpose to be sold as traditional Chinese medicine ingredients even though there is no scientific proves indicating it has any health benefits to human. Due to its weird appearance, seamoth fish is regularly caught for sale in aquarium trade, which causes more harm to this species. As a wise and educated person, do not buy any products related to the seamoths, give them a chance to live happily in their home.