Cabilao island home to pygmy seahorse species

 CABILAO IS., LOON, BOHOL, Philippines  – This triangular island, off the town of Loon, is potential with bright prospects in tourism like dive industry because of its rich marine life and underwater wonders of nature.

Unknown to many enthusiasts, this island of five barangays is the home to pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) species whose colors blend with fan corals where they dwell and breed, said a diver. They may look like a reddish or green depending on the kind of corals they’re inhabiting to protect them from being drawn away by undersea current.

The islanders claimed they’re lucky to have this pygmy seahorse because they thrive not in all areas. Seahorse species also abound in Handumon island, off Getafe town in northern part of Bohol, where conservation and protection of this marine animals, is being pushed by residents here.

Another attraction is the unique pipe fish (Solenostomus paradoxus) that looks like a twig that it can hardly be identified as fish because they also mix together with seagrass of similar color.  (FREEMAN)