A HUGE hand-painted seahorse has appeared in Southampton.
The impressive painting has added a splash of colour to Ocean car park in Ocean Village.
When it was first spotted last month, residents were left wondering where it came from, speculating it might be linked to the city's City of Culture bid.
But after Southampton City Council confirmed it had nothing to do with it, the mystery went on.
Now, the artist behind the painting and the reason it was created have been revealed.
London-based, ATM, whose real name is Mark Anthony, has teamed up with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to shine a spotlight on the wildlife found in the south coast's waters.
The result is six murals brightening up buildings in the Solent area.
Other paintings unveiled by the charity portray: a lobster on the River Hamble Harbour Master’s Office in Warsash, a spider crab at Hythe Pier, a Thresher shark on the Langstone Harbour Office, a spiny sea horse on the Isle of Wight distillery building, and a harbour seal next to Newport library.
ATM said: “In my paintings, I want to capture the essence of what makes these species so special and unique, and I use my artistic inspiration to capture the spirit and special qualities of each species.
“I hope people become inspired and care more about the wildlife in their area and, I hope my art encourages a desire to protect marine habitats.”
According to the trust, each year, up to 124,000 migratory birds flock to the Solent’s coastlines.
Its marine habitats host various unusual species from sharks, dolphins, and seals to cuttlefish, seahorses, and jellyfish.
Dr Tim Ferrero, the trust’s senior marine biologist, said: “Within our project, one of our key aims is to celebrate the marine wildlife and habitats of the Solent.
“We really want to engage people with marine wildlife and these murals introduce people to some important marine species and remind people the Solent is a fantastic habitat with some remarkable wildlife.”
The project, called 'Secrets of the Solent', has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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