Common name: lined seahorse

General information

The Lined Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus erectus, is a captivating species popular among marine aquarists. Characterized by its horse-like head, prehensile tail, and distinctive body armor, this seahorse can exhibit a variety of colors, often matching its surroundings to camouflage itself from predators. They are relatively larger than many other seahorse species, which adds to their appeal in the home aquarium.

Care

Lined Seahorses require a specialized aquarium setup that mimics their natural calm water habitats. They are poor swimmers and need structures like seagrass or artificial holdfasts to cling to. A species-specific or seahorse-only tank is recommended to prevent competition for food and stress from more active fish. They thrive on a diet of live or frozen mysis shrimp and should be fed at least twice a day.

Reproduction

One of the most fascinating aspects of seahorse biology is their unique reproductive behavior. Males carry the fertilized eggs in a specialized brood pouch until they give birth to fully formed juveniles. Breeding in captivity can be achieved with a well-maintained setup and by mimicking seasonal changes to trigger the breeding cycle.

Symbiosis

While not known for specific symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, seahorses do benefit from living among soft corals and macroalgae which provide hiding spots and surfaces for hitching. This association helps protect them from predators and also facilitates hunting for small crustaceans.

Habitat

Hippocampus erectus is found in the Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia, Canada, down to Uruguay, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs, often at depths where light is sufficient for the growth of the seagrasses and algae they associate with.