Keeping Seahorses
Please note: we do not currently stock Seahorses.
The tank
The water
Tank maintenance
Feeding
Seahorse health
Seahorses make a fascinating and enjoyable pet. They are also very easy to keep, provided a few simple requirements are met – good water quality, suitable filter, regular water changes and proper feeding. In captivity, seahorses can live up to 9 years.
Seahorses are a type of fish, with about 50 different species of seahorses known world wide. They are remarkably poor swimmers, having only a small dorsal fin, which beats between 30 and 70 times per second to propel them along, with two pectoral fins on either side of the head for stability and steering. Seahorses are capable of changing colour to match their surroundings.
Seahorses are becoming increasingly threatened in the wild, both through the loss of their preferred seagrass habitat, and especially through their use in traditional Chinese medicine, with millions caught each year for importation into China. Because of this, steps have recently been taken to severely restrict trade in wild-caught seahorses. Always ensure you purchase captive bred seahorses, thus aiding the survival of seahorses in the oceans.
The Tank
Seahorses will live happily in any saltwater marine aquarium of at least 50 cm. It is important to make sure that the aquarium is not in direct sunlight, as this will result in the water getting too hot. Seahorses will need a good filtration system with plenty of aeration, however, due to their poor swimming ability, strong currents must be avoided. Undergravel filters with a good air pump are ideal for smaller aquariums, as are the ‘trickle filter’ systems such as in the Aqua One Complete Aquarium set ups. Most internal power filters and powerheads are not recommended due to the strong currents that are produced.
In marine systems, coral rubble or calcium carbonate chips are ideal for the substrate. If using an undergravel filter, make sure that the substrate is at least 2” thick. Never use ordinary aquarium gravel in marine tanks. Seahorses also need plenty of places on which they can anchor themselves, such as branching coral ornaments and plastic plants. Never put live coral in with seahorses, as some of these can sting.
The Water
Seahorses, being a marine fish, will need salt water. This can be obtained in two ways. Firstly, you can collect your own salt water from the ocean. However, there are risks associated with this. Water pollution, as well as harmful bacteria and bugs may be present in the water. The easiest and safest way to obtain sea water is to mix it up yourself using synthetic salt which is readily available.
It is important to keep a close eye on the water chemistry of your seahorse aquarium. The pH should be about 8.2, and keep an eye on the specific gravity (or salinity level) of the water. It is also good practice to regularly check the ammonia and nitrite levels. Tropical seahorse species will require heating in winter.
Note: temperate seahorse species are unsuitable to be kept in Queensland due to our hot summers. If they are kept, using a chiller connected to the aquarium can aid in keeping water temperatures from reaching too high.
Tank Maintenance
Because seahorses eat large quantities of food, it is important to keep the aquarium water clean, and therefore weekly or fortnightly water changes of about 30% is recommended. At this point you can clean the insides of the glass of any build-up of algae, and attend to the filter if necessary.
Feeding
In the wild, seahorses ambush their prey by using a variety of techniques, including camouflage, binocular vision and their long snouts. Once they have their prey nearby, they suck their victims into their mouth. In captivity, their favourite food is frozen brine shrimp or, better still, mysis shrimp. It is important to place the food near their mouth, so they can easily get it. Any uneaten food should be removed after 5 minutes. Seahorses have very short digestive systems, and so their food is only partially digested. For this reason, it is a good idea to feed twice daily in the summer months when they are more active.
Seahorse Health
If your seahorse is kept stress free and in a clean environment, then there is no reason why it cannot live for years. To do this it is vitally important that they feel secure in their environment. Make sure that there are plenty of holdfasts for their tails and plenty of cover and hiding places. Water quality is also important in keeping seahorses healthy. If your seahorse looks unhappy, please ask us for advice. Note that many common aquarium medications contain copper, which is toxic to seahorses.
For further reading we recommend:-
Seahorses, Conservation and Care, by Neil Garrick-Maidment
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