Seahorses of the Arcachon Basin
Discovering the seahorses of the Bay of Arcachon.
Have you ever seen a seahorse up close? If not, then come and discover these sumptuous creatures. These captivating little animals are one of the ocean’s most fascinating spectacles, and they can be found right here in the Arcachon Basin. What’s even more astonishing is the strange and mysterious world that surrounds them. These little creatures have astonishing characteristics that make them unique among fish. For example, seahorses have prehensile tails that they use to cling to corals and algae. They can also change color to blend in with their surroundings.
Arcachon’s seahorses
Have you ever heard of the Bassin d’Arcachon? It’s a magnificent bay in southwest France. It’s famous for its seagrass beds, which are the largest in Europe. But also for its gentle way of life, immense pine forests and endless cycle paths. If you’d like to discover these magnificent landscapes, take a tour of the basin by bike or just enjoy the place. Don’t hesitate to book your stay at our Les Écureuils campsite. We look forward to welcoming you to our comfortable mobile homes! Seahorses are fish that prefer calm waters, so you’ll find them in lagoon basins or at shallow depths. For your stay, remember to take a mask and swimsuit if you’re not too cold. Otherwise, opt for a wetsuit to try and spot these wonderful little creatures!
Where do seahorses live?
The largest concentration of seahorses in France can be found in the waters of the Arcachon Basin. These seahorses are very rare in France, and can reach 15 cm in length. The Arcachon Basin is also home toEurope’s largest eelgrass beds. Thanks to a protected ecosystem, you can discover seahorses in their natural state. Please note, however, that these fish are protected species, so you must not disturb them in their natural habitat.
How do seahorses reproduce?
The reproductive process of seahorses is quite complicated, which is why scientists spend a lot of time studying the seahorses of the Arcachon Basin. But it’s a captivating enigma, and I’m sure you’ll be intrigued by these magical little animals too.
What do seahorses eat?
Most of the time, seahorses feed on small crustaceans that they suck in with their mouths, like a straw. They eat daphnia (a small translucent crustacean) measuring around 4 mm, krill (a small shrimp that eats phytoplankton), small cold-water shrimp and palaemonetes (a type of shrimp).
Endangered seahorses
Have you ever seen a seahorse in the wild? If so, you’ve had the chance to see one of the sea’s most mysterious and captivating creatures. And if you haven’t yet had the chance to see one, don’t be discouraged, because seahorses are among the most fascinating animals on the planet.
But what you may not know is that seahorses are on the brink of extinction. These magnificent creatures are on the brink of extinction, not least because of the chemicals being dumped into the ocean. On top of this, one of the main reasons for the disappearance of seahorses is the destruction of their natural habitat, seagrass beds. If you’d like to find out more about seahorses and all the other marine species that inhabit the basin, we invite you to watch Arnaud Nadau’s film “Hippocampes et autres trésors du Bassin d’Arcachon”. It won the Palme d’Or at the Festival International du Monde Marin d’Hyères in 2017. If you’re passionate about marine exploration, or simply curious about mysterious animals like seahorses and many others. Then don’t hesitate to come and admire our magnificent Arcachon Basin, full of secrets and wonderful places. We look forward to welcoming you and offering you a unique and enjoyable stay at our Les écureuils campsites. Book a week, a weekend or simply a night in one of our fully-equipped mobile homes. For all inquiries, or to book your next stay at our campsite now. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions. You can also book your stay directly online. Don’t delay, come and explore the Bassin!
