Big-Belly Seahorse Care Guide
Hippocampus abdominalis is one of the largest seahorses, a temperate species from Australia and New Zealand reaching up to 35 cm.
Overview
Hippocampus abdominalis, the Big-Belly or pot-bellied seahorse, was described by Lesson in 1827. FishBase records it as one of the largest seahorses, reaching 35 cm total length. It is a temperate, demersal species and the only seahorse native to New Zealand.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Hippocampus
- Scientific name: Hippocampus abdominalis
Habitat
Found in the Southwest Pacific around Australia and New Zealand. FishBase reports it from rock pools and seaweed at low tide to deeper waters around jetties, sponges and colonial hydroids, recorded from the surface down to 104 m. It is a cool-water species, preferring roughly 14-20 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 18-22 °C (64-72 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult length: up to 35 cm (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase notes it feeds on minute crustaceans such as copepods and amphipods; Wikipedia adds caridean shrimp and mysids. Lacking a stomach and teeth, it feeds by sucking small invertebrates through its tubular snout and eats frequently throughout the day.
Compatibility
A peaceful, slow feeder suited to a species or seahorse-focused system with other unhurried tankmates such as pipefishes. Fast, active or aggressive fish outcompete it and should be avoided.
Breeding
Ovoviviparous, with the male carrying eggs in a brood pouch under the tail. According to Wikipedia, males brood 300-700 young at a time and may produce up to four broods in summer; FishBase gives incubation of about four weeks, with maturity near 8.7 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (FishBase, 2016 assessment). Like all Hippocampus species it is listed on CITES Appendix II, and it is used in the aquarium trade and traditional medicine.