Common Seahorse
Hippocampus kuda
Water Parameters
About
The Seahorse is one of the most fascinating ocean animals. With a vertical body covered in bony plates, a prehensile tail, independent eyes, and a tubular snout, it looks like no other fish. Its reproduction is unique: the male carries the young. Available in various colors (yellow, black, brown, red).
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely peaceful and slow fish. It grips structures with its prehensile tail. A weak swimmer that doesn’t compete for food. Forms monogamous pairs with a daily breeding ritual at sunrise.
Feeding
Carnivore. VERY specialized diet: enriched adult brine shrimp, live mysis and copepods are the staple. Can be trained to accept frozen mysis. Feed 2-3x daily.
Breeding
Male livebearer. The MALE carries the offspring in a ventral incubation pouch. Female deposits eggs into the male’s pouch during the breeding ritual. Gestation lasts 14–28 days. Reproduction possible in a dedicated aquarium.
Care Notes
Exclusive seahorse tank (species only). Gentle flow (weak swimmer). Many anchoring points (gorgonians, macroalgae, hitching posts). Feed 2-3x daily with enriched Artemia/Mysis. No stinging anemones. No active fish.
Compatibility
ONLY in a dedicated seahorse tank. Do NOT keep with ANY conventional fish (food competition, stress). Can be kept with slow pipefish, gorgonians, and non-stinging soft corals.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Hippocampus kuda |
|---|---|
| Family | Syngnathidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Expert |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 17.0 cm (6.7") |
| Min Tank | 150 L (40 gal) |
| Min Group | 2+ |
| Diet | Carnivore. VERY specialized diet: enriched adult brine shrimp, live mysis and copepods are the staple. Can be trained to accept frozen mysis. Feed 2-3x daily. |
| Temperament | Extremely peaceful and slow fish. It grips structures with its prehensile tail. A weak swimmer that doesn’t compete for food. Forms monogamous pairs with a daily breeding ritual at sunrise. |
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