- Habitat loss: Seahorses live in shallow waters near coral reefs, which are increasingly threatened by human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. The destruction of their habitat can reduce the availability of food and shelter, making it difficult for seahorses to survive.
- Predation: Seahorses are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including fish, birds, and marine mammals. Their slow movement and poor eyesight make them easy targets for predators.
- Competition for food: Seahorses feed on small crustaceans and other plankton. They must compete with other animals for food, and their small size and weak swimming ability can make it difficult for them to catch their prey.
- Disease: Seahorses are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These diseases can cause serious health problems and even death.
- Climate change: Climate change is causing the oceans to become warmer and more acidic, which can have negative effects on seahorses. Warmer water temperatures can stress seahorses and make them more susceptible to disease. More acidic water can dissolve the calcium carbonate that seahorses use to build their skeletons, making them weaker and more vulnerable to predators.