Seahorse
Hippocampus spp.
Also known as: Sea Horse
Seahorses are unique fish where males become pregnant and give birth. They have no stomach and must eat almost constantly. Over 150 million are harvested annually for traditional medicine.
Max Size
14 inches (35 cm) - largest species
Lifespan
1-5 years
Depth
0-50 meters
Water Type
saltwater
Scientific Classification
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Syngnathiformes
- Family
- Syngnathidae
- Species
- Hippocampus spp.
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat
Distribution
Behavior
Seahorses anchor to seagrass with their tails and ambush small prey. Mated pairs perform daily greeting rituals, dancing and changing colors together.
Reproduction
Females deposit eggs in the male's pouch. He fertilizes and carries them for 2-4 weeks, then gives birth to up to 2,000 tiny, fully-formed babies.
Aquarium Care Guide
Minimum Tank Size
30 gallons
Care Level
Difficult
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
72°F - 78°F
Diet
Carnivore - live/frozen mysis shrimp
Conservation Status
Main Threats
- Traditional medicine trade
- Bycatch
- Habitat loss
🎉 Fun Facts
- Males carry and give birth to the babies
- They mate for life and do daily "greeting dances"
- Seahorses have no stomach - food passes straight through
- They can move each eye independently
- Their tails are prehensile like a monkey's
