Not on land this time!“The 12 Sea Creatures of the Zodiac” debut in Taitung

By the Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Most people are familiar with the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, but they might not know there’s such a thing as the “12 Sea Creatures of the Zodiac”! Starting January 25, the Eastern Regional Center of the Fisheries Research Institute is launching an exhibition of the 12 Sea Creatures of the Zodiac. The seahorse, representing this year’s zodiac animal—the horse—along with representative aquatic creatures for each zodiac sign such as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, and dragon, will all make an appearance to welcome the New Year.

▲ The best mascot for the “Year of the Horse” is none other than the brightly colored seahorse. (Photo / Courtesy of the Council of Agriculture website, stock photo)

According to the research center, the “12 Sea Creatures of the Zodiac” are, in order:Mousefish, Oxhead, Thai Tigerfish, Colorful Rabbitfish, Lobster, Snake Eel, Seahorse, Sheep Crab, Monkey Shrimp, Flowerback Monocle Bream, Dogface Wrasse, and Flower PigThese are 12 different marine creatures. Since this year is the Year of the Horse, the best underwater ambassador is naturally the “seahorse.” About the size of a fingertip, seahorses love to wrap their tails around companions or objects.

The “Flattened Head Cichlid,” whose mouth resembles a horse’s face, is commonly known as the “Horseface” and is also a representative aquatic creature of the Year of the Horse. The Leptobarbus melanopterus from the Indochina Peninsula, commonly called the “Snake Eel,” can grow up to 12 centimeters long. With its cute appearance, it tends to gather together when approached, making it the “snake” of the sea zodiac.

The “Prosperity-Arriving 12 Zodiac Creatures Special Exhibition” is being held at the center’s clownfish-themed pavilion. During the Spring Festival period from January 31 to February 4, visitors to the exhibition can also receive gifts. (News source: Central News Agency)