Common name: Sea pony

General information

The Reidi Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus fuscus, is a captivating species popular among marine aquarists. This species is known for its elongated snout and its ability to change color to blend with its surroundings, a trait that fascinates many hobbyists. They are relatively small, reaching lengths of up to 7 inches, and exhibit a variety of colors, from black and brown to yellow and red.

Care

Reidi Seahorses require a specialized aquarium setup with calm water conditions and plenty of hitching posts, such as seagrass or artificial decorations. They are not strong swimmers, so strong currents should be avoided. Their diet consists mainly of live or frozen mysis shrimp, and they need to be fed at least twice a day due to their inefficient digestive systems.

Reproduction

Like all seahorses, the Reidi Seahorse exhibits a unique reproductive behavior where the male carries the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. This species is capable of breeding in the home aquarium if conditions are optimal, and witnessing the male giving birth to live young can be a remarkable experience for any aquarist.

Habitat

Hippocampus fuscus is found in the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, often among seagrasses, mangroves, and coral reefs. They use their prehensile tails to anchor themselves to vegetation or other substrates, which provides them with stability in the water column and camouflage from predators.