Leverkusen photographer discovers tiny seahorse species in Borneo!

Leverkusen photographer discovers tiny seahorse species in Borneo!

A remarkable discovery was made in Borneo over 30 years ago that would revolutionize the world of underwater biology. At that time, Jörg Adam from Leverkusen was a passionate diver and photographer. In 1993 he traveled with a friend to the exotic waters of Borneo to capture the fascinating underwater worlds. During his dive he came across tiny seahorses that were unknown to him and could not be found in any of the common identification books. This moment was the beginning of a journey that would lead to the discovery of a previously unknown species.

The small species that Adam discovered later became official as Hippocampus Denise identified and is considered the smallest known seahorse in the world, with a maximum length of about 2.4 cm. These delicate creatures are mainly found in deep waters between 13 and 100 meters and live hidden in Gorgonian fields, where they adapt perfectly to their surroundings through adaptive camouflage. Their distinctive appearance, with a short snout and slim body, has made them a popular study subject for marine biologists.

From discovery to science

After Adam made the discovery, he contacted international researchers from England and Canada who confirmed the identification of the new species. 2003 was the species officially recognized, and an impressive photo of Adam appeared in the renowned National Geographic magazine. In the following years, Adam worked closely with international marine biologists and was able to gain valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of the small seahorses.

The reproduction of the Hippocampus denise is also remarkable: the males carry the eggs in a special brood pouch, where they remain for up to 11 days until the young are born. This particular mode of reproduction arouses great interest in the scientific community because it is unique in the animal world.

A life for photography

Despite his successes in underwater photography, Adam remained loyal to photography with an unbroken passion to this day. He said, “It doesn’t work, it doesn’t exist,” which reflects his tireless spirit. Adam not only explored the depths of the oceans, but also conquered the skies. He developed a fascination for flying and took part in several flight missions, including a parabolic flight with astronaut Alexander Gerst. Adam talks about impressive aerial maneuvers and always emphasizes the importance of safety in his projects, as he has also experienced tragic moments such as the fatal accident of a pilot who worked with him.

For Adam, photography is a hobby that he pursues with dedication. He enjoys the freedom to choose his own subjects and to have the time to get the perfect shot. His book “Helicopter Flight at the Limit” was published in 2023, in which he captures impressive images of the stunt pilot Rainer Wilke. Adam's stories, which often include family adventures, are the heart of his work.

In summary, Jörg Adam is not only a passionate photographer and diver, but also an explorer who enriches the world of marine biology. His remarkable journey began more than 30 years ago, bringing the little hippocampus Denise into the spotlight of research and inspiring many.