Common seahorse
Hippocampus kuda
Family : Syngnathidae
The common seahorse is an iconic marine fish, recognizable by its horse-like shape and vertical swimming. It is popular in aquariums but requires specific care.
Description
This fish has an elongated body, a horse-like head, a tubular snout, and a prehensile tail. It reaches up to 17 cm. It swims vertically using its dorsal fin. It is monogamous and forms faithful pairs. The male incubates eggs in a ventral pouch. It feeds on small planktonic crustaceans. In the aquarium, it is sensitive to stress and strong currents. It can change color for camouflage. Its behavior is calm and graceful.
Habitat
Region :
Seagrass beds, mangroves, shallow reefs
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
Temperature 22–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025. A minimum 100-liter tank is recommended, preferably tall (60 cm) for vertical swimming. Water flow should be low to moderate. Diet should consist of enriched mysis and brine shrimp, fed several times a day. Avoid fast or aggressive fish. Seahorses are sensitive to diseases and water quality. A protein skimmer is useful. Keep nitrates below 10 mg/L and phosphates below 0.05 mg/L. Decor with gorgonians or algae allows for anchoring.
Similar species
Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance
