Featured Image Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Do you remember Cheeto the seahorse? The newsworthy seahorse that was dropped onto a beach and mistaken, at first, for an orange-colored, cheesy snack, and then rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, inspiring millions to watch her live-streamed rehabilitation as well as her release on Tuesday, May 16.
Now, the story and recovery of a second female lined seahorse (like Cheeto), Funyun, is being shared by the Aquarium. As you might have guessed, Funyun was named after another popular snack due to her tan color, has a story that is almost directly linked to Cheeto’s, in the absolute best of ways!
Funyun was similarly mistaken as something else at first, too. This time, the seahorse was thought to be a “unique seashell”. Found at Indian Rocks Beach by an Ohio-native couple who were walking the beach and looking for seashells.
Maria and her fiancé Joscelynne were surprised to notice that the “seashell” was breathing, and realized not long after that that the seashell was actually a struggling seahorse that had washed up on the beach.
At first, the couple tried to merely put Funyun back into the water, but to no avail, as the seahorse just floated on the surface. Eventually, the two found the story of Cheeto, and similarly to the young girl and her mother in the previous story— Maria called the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to come help.
After arriving at CMA, the veterinary staff x-rayed her (carefully) and found the reason Funyun couldn’t do more than float: an over-inflated swim bladder. (Not good!) She was far too buoyant, and had to cling onto objects in the water to stop from floating to the surface.
Working with other veterinarians specializing in the care of seahorses, the team was able to carefully remove the air in Funyun’s swim bladder via a small needle, and it worked! She was soon swimming normally and eating her fill thanks to the help of the Aquarium and its staff!
Funyun the seahorse has a final health assessment to pass, and then if the weather permits… this girl could be going home to the deep blue as early as next week! The Aquarium has slotted Monday, June 12th as their goal date, if everything goes well.
Until her release, you can visit Funyun in person at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or check out her own personal livestream.
We’re cheering for you, Funyun!