You probably already know SeaWorld Orlando lets you experience what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly just like giant stingrays in the thrill coaster, Manta. But did you know the popular ride also gives guests an in-depth look at some of the sea’s other amazing creatures like seahorses in the ride’s many surrounding aquariums?
Exploring the depths of the sea and taking a better look at Manta’s freshwater lagoon and saltwater habitats are just one part of Manta. With 10 aquariums, including overhead aquariums both riders and non-riders will find themselves immersed in the habitats of marine life with more than 3,000 aquatic animals. The experience makes for incredible up-close-and-personal encounters with the most amazing sea life you may ever see.
Since Manta is a sting ray ride, it’s no surprise the aquariums are filled with 300 rays with eight species being represented including cownose, spotted eagle, roughtail, southern, shark ray, giant guitarfish, white blotched river ray and ocellate river rays. But amongst the many rays is one of the most beautiful and aptly named fish – the seahorse.
This incredible creature can be found in sheltered, shallow, warm waters throughout the world. Seahorses range in size from an inch long (the dwarf seahorse) to a foot long or more (the Pacific seahorse). There are more than 32 species of seahorses that exist worldwide but you can only witness two in Manta – the lined seahorse and the long snout seahorse.
Here are some fun facts about seahorses:
• The male seahorse carries fertilized eggs in his pouch, until the fully developed baby seahorses are expelled into the water. • The seahorse's scientific genus name, Hippocampus, is Greek for "bent horse.” • The seahorse may appear as if it wears armor; its body is covered with bony rings and ridges. • Seahorses have no teeth and no stomach. Food passes so quickly through their digestive systems that they must constantly eat to stay alive.
But beware, as you marvel at the fish that looks strikingly like a horse you actually may be marveling at a sea dragon. They are similar to seahorses in the fact that they too have built-in camouflage. Leafy sea dragons and Weedy sea dragons are closely related to the seahorse but very different when it comes to rearing their young. Male sea dragons carry up to 250 eggs on the underside of their tail, while male seahorses carry their young in their pouch.
In any case, both the seahorses and sea dragons are a highlight of the Manta ride and now that you know a little more about both you can make sure you know what to look out for during your next SeaWorld Orlando visit.
For an aquatic adventure that brings you face-to-face with seahorses look for discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets right here on Best of Orlando.
Orlando, FL 11-08-12 | 
