Trails the seahorse through secluded waters across the globe in a kaleidoscopic history that mirrors humanity's centuries-old fascination with the animal, sweeping from the reefs of Indonesia, through the back streets of Hong Kong and back in time to ancient Greece and Rome. Marine biologist Helen Scales eloquently argues that seahorses are indeed fish, though scientists have long puzzled over their exotic anatomy and strange sex lives - male seahorses being the only males in the entire animal world to experience childbirth.

Reviews

"Effectively examines the seahorse's chameleon qualities, as well as the phenomenon of males giving birth-the only such instance in the animal kingdom. The author is also adept at delineating the seahorse's alleged healing powers, and she offers a fascinating study in the history of aquariums and the pursuit of 'queer fish' [...] the author makes a solid case for a rare and wondrous creature." - "Kirkus"
"A true natural history book, covering all aspects of the seahorse's involvement in the world [...] Scales is a marine biologist, and her fascination with the subject (she learned to scuba dive in order to observe this remarkable creature) shines through in her easy-to-read style and the way she uses the seahorse as a hook to discuss broader subjects [...] This is sure to appeal to both teens and readers interested in the natural world." -"Library Journal"
"This seems to be just about the perfect book: small, delicate, elegant, charming, unusual, fascinating and uniquel