article_detail

A young seahorse is recovering in intensive care this week after being rescued from the shore of a beach in El Ejido, Almería, suffering from what’s been described as a “stroke” caused by an air embolism.

 

The tiny female Hippocampus guttulatus was found on Monday June 30 on San Miguel beach by a member of the public, who immediately handed the weak animal over to Civil Protection. From there, the marine rescue association Equinac was alerted and worked swiftly with local environmental authorities to organise an urgent transfer to the Costa de Almería Aquarium in Roquetas de Mar.

 

Once at the aquarium, veterinary staff diagnosed the seahorse with an air embolism, which is a build-up of gas bubbles in the body that prevents the animal from diving and feeding properly. The condition is believed to have been caused by a sudden ascent from deeper waters, possibly due to fishing activity.

 

On Tuesday July 1, the delicate patient underwent a precise procedure involving a hypodermic needle, used to gently release some of the trapped gas. The treatment forms part of an intensive care protocol now being followed by the team at the aquarium.

 

“This is a highly complex case,” staff at Costa de Almería Aquarium explained in a statement, though they emphasised their ongoing dedication to the protection of marine life. They also expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, especially the quick-thinking beachgoer who first spotted the seahorse in distress.

 

Sadly, this case is not entirely rare. Seahorses in the Mediterranean face significant threats from discarded fishing gear, accidental capture in nets, and marine pollution. While this particular animal was lucky to be found in time, many are not.

 

For now, the team remains hopeful for her recovery. “She’s under careful observation and receiving the best possible care,” the aquarium said.

 

Let’s hope this little underwater warrior makes it through and can soon return to the sea where she belongs.

 

 

Image: Christian Bisbo Johnsen/Unsplash