Thorny Seahorse Care Guide
Hippocampus histrix, the Thorny Seahorse, is an Indo-Pacific syngnathid covered in sharp spines, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Overview
Hippocampus histrix, the Thorny Seahorse, was described by Kaup in 1856. As described on Wikipedia, its slender, elongated body is covered with sharp, dark-tipped thorns, and its long tapered snout shows a striped pattern. Colour is highly variable, ranging from grey and cream to yellow, green or red.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Hippocampus
- Scientific name: Hippocampus histrix
Habitat
FishBase records it across the Indo-Pacific from South Africa to French Polynesia, north to Japan and south to Australia (not in the Red Sea). It inhabits sheltered coral reefs, algae clumps and seagrass beds and associates with sponges and sea-squirts, recorded from 0 to 82 m and typically found at 15-40 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult length: up to 17 cm (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans. In aquaria it needs frequent feedings of small meaty foods delivered slowly, in keeping with its deliberate ambush feeding.
Compatibility
A peaceful, slow species best kept with other gentle, unhurried feeders such as pipefishes and mandarins. Fast or aggressive tankmates that compete for food should be avoided.
Breeding
Ovoviviparous and monogamous: pairs stay together and the female transfers eggs via an ovipositor into the male's ventral brood pouch, where he provides aeration and nourishment. FishBase gives first maturity at about 7.9 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2017). Like all Hippocampus species it is listed on CITES Appendix II. Wikipedia notes population declines linked to traditional medicine, the aquarium trade, bycatch in shrimp fisheries and habitat loss.