Mistletoe fires underwater passions at aquarium

From The Times

Mistletoe has tricked less than amorous leafy sea dragons (Phycodurus eques), right, at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, Dorset, into a mating frenzy. The close relatives of sea horses look similar to the traditional Christmas greenery, and in an effort to breed them for the first time in Europe, staff put some mistletoe in their tank. Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The males have suddenly started engaging in heated courtship with the females. It seems they view the Christmas decorations as potential rivals, and they are making sure they don’t lose out.”

(Phil Yeomans/BNPS) An aquarium in Dorset is hoping its not only humans who get romantic under the mistletoe at Xmas - These amazing looking Leafy Sea Dragons are being encouraged to breed for the first time in Europe by the introduction of Mistltoe into their display at the Weymouth Sealife centre in Dorset. The wierd creatures confuse the Mistletoe for a male love rival and chase the females round their tank. Sea Dragons have never been bred in Europe.

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