Common name: Tiger Tail Seahorse
General Information
The Tiger Tail Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus comes, is a captivating species popular among marine enthusiasts for its distinctive appearance and fascinating behaviors. Recognized by its striking yellow and black banded pattern, this seahorse is a true spectacle in any aquarium setting. Its prehensile tail, reminiscent of a tiger's striped tail, is not just for show but serves as a functional tool for anchoring to sea grasses and corals.
Seahorses, including the Tiger Tail, have captured the imagination of hobbyists due to their unique reproductive roles, where males carry the young. Their upright swimming posture and horse-like head make them a subject of intrigue and admiration.
Details
- Estimated price
- Moderate
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.5
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on mysis and brine shrimp, requiring frequent meals
- Social
- Pair Best kept in pairs to mimic natural social structure
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful Generally shy and peaceful, ideal for calm tank setups
- Captive bred
- Yes
- Trade regulationsSource: Species+
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (Hippocampus spp.)
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPipefishesSyngnathiformes
- FamilyPipefishesSyngnathidae
- GenusSeahorseHippocampus
- SpeciesTiger Tail SeahorseHippocampus comes Cantor, 1849
- Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Care
Caring for the Tiger Tail Seahorse requires a dedicated setup that mimics its natural reef environment. They thrive in aquariums with plenty of vertical space, allowing them to swim upright and latch onto coral branches or artificial structures. These seahorses prefer peaceful tank mates and should be housed with species that won't outcompete them for food.
Diet and Feeding
Tiger Tail Seahorses are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, they should be offered a diet of live or frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. Regular feeding is crucial as they have a high metabolism and require frequent meals.
Behavior and Compatibility
Tiger Tail Seahorses are peaceful and can be quite shy. They are best kept in species-specific tanks or with other non-aggressive species. Due to their slow swimming nature, they are at risk of being outcompeted for food by more agile fish.
Reproduction
The reproductive process of the Tiger Tail Seahorse is a fascinating spectacle. Males have a brood pouch where females deposit eggs. The male then fertilizes the eggs internally and carries them until they hatch. This unique role reversal is a highlight for many seahorse enthusiasts.
Health and Common Issues
Seahorses are generally susceptible to stress and water quality issues. Maintaining pristine water conditions and avoiding sudden changes in the environment are essential for their health. They are prone to ailments such as bacterial infections and gas bubble disease, which require prompt attention.
Habitat
The Tiger Tail Seahorse is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. They inhabit coastal waters, often found in seagrass beds and coral reefs where they can camouflage and find ample food sources.
Conservation Status
Currently listed under CITES Appendix II, the Tiger Tail Seahorse is not directly threatened with extinction but its trade is monitored to ensure sustainable practices. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and sustainable harvesting to prevent population declines.