Common name: Pot-bellied seahorse

Scientific name: Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson, 1827
Close up shot of a seahorse, Hippocampus abdominalis.
Seahorse in an aquarium, big-belly seahorse, Hippocampus abdominalisgroup of big belly seahorses together in the aquarium, popular pets in aquaculture, tropical fishes from Australia

General information

The Pot-bellied Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus abdominalis, is a captivating species popular among marine aquarists. This seahorse is one of the largest species, with a distinct pot-bellied appearance, hence its common name. Its coloration can vary widely, from yellow and orange to brown and grey, often with mottled patterns that help it blend into its surroundings.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
18 to 23 °C (64 to 73 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
35 cm (1′2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live mysid shrimp
Social
Pair Pairs bond strongly
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
Yes Bred in specialized facilities

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Pipefishes
    Syngnathiformes
  5. Family
    Pipefishes
    Syngnathidae
  6. Genus
    Seahorse
    Hippocampus
  7. Species
    Pot-bellied seahorse
    Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson, 1827
  8. Synonyms
    Hippocampus agnesae Fowler, 1907
    Hippocampus bleekeri Fowler, 1907
    Hippocampus graciliformis McCulloch, 1911

Care

Pot-bellied Seahorses require a specialized aquarium setup that mimics their natural environment. They need a peaceful tank with slow-moving water and plenty of hitching posts like seagrass or artificial decorations. These seahorses feed on small crustaceans, so a diet of live or frozen mysis shrimp is essential for their health. They are sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes and a stable, mature aquarium are crucial.

Reproduction

Like all seahorses, the Pot-bellied Seahorse exhibits a unique reproductive behavior where the male carries the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. This species can give birth to dozens or even hundreds of fry at a time. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to the need for pristine water conditions and the difficulty in raising the tiny offspring.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Pot-bellied Seahorse includes seagrass beds, sponge gardens, and macroalgae in temperate waters. They are found in the coastal waters of New Zealand and southern Australia, often at depths ranging from shallow bays to about 100 meters.