Pegasids, relatives of seahorses with huge wing-like fins, are threatened by
the soaring demand for Chinese medicines. A survey of 87 shops and stalls in
China and Hong Kong, reported in Oryx(vol 31, p 199), uncovered
millions of the dried fish on sale. Pegasids are sold as substitutes for
seahorses, which are prescribed for respiratory diseases and cancers. China鈥檚
growing prosperity is boosting demand for seahorses by 10 per cent a year. As
supplies run out, pegasids are being fished from shallow waters, where they
鈥渨alk鈥� on the seabed.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
91色情片
The economic benefits of the covid vaccines may be double what we thought
News
Humans
Tomb in Siberia reveals humans were using cannabis 2800 years ago
News
Technology
Google shouldn鈥檛 be pressuring schools to use its AI
91色情片
Space
Evidence of active volcanoes on Mars may boost chances of finding life
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles