CHESAPEAKE BAY, Md. – Chesapeake Bay has more than one magical horse-related resident. Most people might think of the wild horses at Assateague, but just as cordgrass attracts wild horses, eelgrass (Zostera marina) attracts seahorses.
Lined seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) are the only seahorse species found in the Chesapeake Bay. These unique fish typically grow 5–6 inches long and spend their summers tucked into underwater grass beds in the middle and lower Bay, feeding on tiny crustaceans and blending in with remarkable camouflage.
These photos were taken at an eelgrass restoration site, highlighting just how important underwater meadows are. Eelgrass provides critical structure for seahorses to cling to, hide from predators, and ambush prey. As restoration efforts succeed, wildlife often responds quickly and seahorses are a perfect example.
“As soon as our eelgrass seedlings got established, the seahorses showed up,” says Mike Naylor, MD DNR, who was involved with the eelgrass restoration effort. “It was so cool seeing them when we did follow-up monitoring!”
Eelgrass isn’t just a plant, it’s habitat. And when underwater grasses return, so do the incredible creatures that depend on them.
