Common name: spotted seahorse

General information

The Tiger Tail Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus comes, is a captivating species popular among marine aquarists. This seahorse is named for its distinctive striped pattern, which resembles a tiger's tail. They are relatively small, reaching up to 7 inches in length, and exhibit a range of colors from yellow to brown with dark bands.

Care

Tiger Tail Seahorses require a specialized aquarium setup with calm water conditions and plenty of hitching posts, such as seagrass or artificial decorations. They are slow eaters and prefer to feed on live foods like mysis shrimp. It's crucial to maintain excellent water quality and stable parameters to keep these delicate creatures healthy.

Reproduction

Seahorses are known for their unique reproductive behavior, where males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. The Tiger Tail Seahorse follows this pattern, and breeding them in captivity can be a rewarding experience for advanced hobbyists.

Symbiosis

While not involved in symbiosis like clownfish and anemones, seahorses do form relationships with stationary objects or slow-moving creatures, using them as anchors to rest and avoid being swept away by currents.

Habitat

Tiger Tail Seahorses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and coral reefs. They often cling to gorgonians, seagrasses, or mangroves, blending in to avoid predators.