Common Seahorse Care Guide
Hippocampus kuda, the spotted or common seahorse, is a widespread Indo-Pacific syngnathid listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Overview
Hippocampus kuda, the Common or Spotted Seahorse, is among the most widespread seahorses of the Indo-Pacific. FishBase describes it as a marine and brackish, reef-associated species of highly variable colour, usually found in pairs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Hippocampus
- Scientific name: Hippocampus kuda
Habitat
FishBase records it broadly across the Indo-Pacific from southern Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia, north to Japan and south to Australia. It inhabits seagrass and algae beds of estuaries and seaward reefs, also on steep mud slopes, at depths of 0-68 m (usually 0-8 m), and may attach to drifting Sargassum far from shore.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 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 30 cm (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports that it feeds on zooplankton. In aquaria it requires frequent feedings of small meaty foods presented slowly to suit its deliberate feeding style.
Compatibility
A peaceful, slow-moving species best kept with other gentle, unhurried feeders such as pipefishes and mandarins. Avoid fast or aggressive fish that would outcompete it at feeding time.
Breeding
Ovoviviparous. According to FishBase, the male broods 20-1,000 larvae in a pouch under the tail, with development over about 20-28 days; maturity is reached near 14 cm. The species is bred in captivity, though much of the trade labelled 'Kuda' represents mixed species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2012). Like all Hippocampus species it is listed on CITES Appendix II; FishBase notes its high commercial value in fisheries, aquaculture, the aquarium trade and traditional medicine.