Spiny seahorse found in River Hamble estuary

The spiny seahorse was found by a diving contractor working in Hamble Estuary

The discovery of a seahorse in a river could help conservation efforts, experts have said.

A diving contractor found the female spiny seahorse while pulling up moorings in Hamble Estuary, Hampshire.

The Seahorse Trust praised his "quick thinking" in carefully releasing the seahorse and reporting the find to the national database.

The trust's Neil Garrick-Maidment said the 17cm-long seahorse appeared to be in good condition.

He said it showed the creatures were "highly adaptable".

The female seahorse was about 17cm long

Spiny seahorses, which enjoy seagrass habitats, have previously been found in the River Hamble.

"What is remarkable was his quick thinking - he took a photos and put it straight back in the water. He acted so quickly he probably saved its life," Mr Garrick-Maidment said.

"Reports like this help us so much in our research."

After being photographed, the seahorse was placed back in the water and swam off, apparently none the worse for wear.

He urged anyone who finds a seahorse to contact the trust in order for sightings to be added to the national database.

Also known as the long-snouted seahorse, the spiny seahorse lives in shallow coastal waters and is recognisable by the fleshy mane on its neck and back.

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