Mistletoe fires underwater passions at aquarium

Mistletoe has tricked less than amorous leafy sea dragons (Phycodurus eques) 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.”