Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) Care Guide
A medium-sized seahorse reaching 15cm, one of the more commonly captive-bred species available. Needs a species-only tank with gentle flow, hitching posts (gorgonians, macroalgae), and frozen mysis sh…
Overview
Hippocampus erectus is a species in the family Syngnathidae. A medium-sized seahorse reaching 15cm, one of the more commonly captive-bred species available. Needs a species-only tank with gentle flow, hitching posts (gorgonians, macroalgae), and frozen mysis shrimp. Males carry young in a brood pouch. Slow feeder easily outcompeted.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Hippocampus
- Scientific name: Hippocampus erectus
- Other names: Northern Seahorse
- Origin: Western Atlantic
Habitat
Distributed along the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia south to Venezuela, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Inhabits seagrass beds, mangrove roots and floating sargassum mats. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; one of the most commonly captive-bred seahorse species for the trade.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-25 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 10-15 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 2
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Other Seahorses, Pipefish, Snails
- Avoid with: All Active Fish, Crabs, Anemones, Strong Flow
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may opportunistically pick at small ornamental shrimps, sessile invertebrates or, in some individuals, polyps. Suitability depends on the specific reef stock.
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: pouch-brooder (male carries eggs)
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate