Community Corner

Rescued Male Seahorse Named For Clearwater Olympian Bobby Finke

The seahorse that surprised aquarium staff has been named for the Olympian who came from behind to surprise the world and win gold twice.

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The seahorse that surprised aquarium staff has been named for the Olympian who came from behind to surprise the world and win gold twice.
The seahorse that surprised aquarium staff has been named for the Olympian who came from behind to surprise the world and win gold twice. (CMA)

CLEARWATER, FL — The staff of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium couldn't think of a better tribute to the rescued seahorse who surprised staff by unexpectedly giving birth to a herd of seahorse babies.

They decided to name him "Bobby" after Clearwater native and Countryside High School graduate Bobby Finke, 21.

The same week the seahorse gave birth, Finke surprised the world by coming from behind in the final laps of the 800-meter and 1,500-meter men's swimming relays at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo to win two gold medals.

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A beach goer found Bobby the seahorse floating on top of the water and brought it to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The aquarium's veterinarian determined the male seahorse had an over-inflated swim bladder, and released the trapped air that was causing the seahorse to float.

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A few days later, to the amazement of aquarium staff, the rescued seahorse gave birth to a herd of baby seahorses. Female seahorses lay their eggs in the male's pouch and the male carries the eggs until they hatch.

The aquarium will choose the names for the baby seahorses from the top 100 entries submitted by the public.

Here are the top 100 runner-up names.

  • Sheldon
  • Seabiscuit
  • Bubbles
  • Triton
  • Poseidon
  • Trojan
  • Sebastian
  • Neptune
  • Charlie
  • Lucky
  • Pegasus
  • Mystery
  • King Triton
  • Champ
  • Buoy
  • Axel
  • Titan
  • Thor
  • Spirit
  • Seabastian
  • Sawyer
  • Sampson
  • Salty
  • Nigel
  • Mr. Incredible
  • Mr. Ed
  • Monty
  • Hero
  • Hector
  • Gizmo
  • Gilbert
  • Dallas
  • Cowboy
  • Caspian
  • Stormy
  • Marlin
  • Fred
  • Bob
  • Abraham
  • Seamore
  • Hercules
  • Zeus
  • Taki
  • Sully
  • Seymor
  • Herald
  • Frank
  • Ziggy
  • Winnie
  • Willie
  • Theodore
  • Sydney
  • Snorkel
  • Silver
  • Ruffles
  • Romeo
  • Rocky
  • Papi
  • Norris
  • Miracle
  • Max
  • Jasper
  • George
  • Floater
  • Finley
  • Blueberry
  • Blaze
  • Aquaman
  • Trigger
  • Trident
  • Treasure
  • Stallion
  • Sammy
  • Mr. Mom
  • Merlin
  • Isaac
  • Homer
  • Dorito
  • Daddyo
  • Coral
  • Chance
  • Wesley
  • Walter
  • Vader
  • Summer
  • Storm
  • Secretariat
  • Seatbelt
  • Raymond
  • Rainbow
  • Ponyboy
  • Loki
  • Leo
  • Kevin
  • Johnny
  • Finke
  • Dusty
  • Denis
  • Arthur
  • Big Daddy

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