Slightly Interesting Cambodian Facts (5) Cambodian Seahorses

Cambodian Seahorses under -threat

7 species of Seahorses have thus far been identified in Cambodian waters. They are mostly found off the shores of Kampot and Sihanoukville. Numbers for some species are seriously dwindling as a result of 'weighted bottom'  fish trawling and the illegal sale of seahorses for the use in traditional medicines in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Most of these trades take place in the markets of Kep where they are routed through Vietnam before reaching their final destination.

Habitat destruction and over-fishing coupled with the biology of the seahorse makes the survival of the Cambodian Seahorses particularly dicey - they produce small broods and because they are monogamous the loss of a partner means breeding stops until these choosy creatures find a suitable new partner.

For more:
http://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/seahorses-in-cambodia