Common name: Short snouted seahorse

General information

The Common Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus hippocampus, is a captivating marine fish that belongs to the family Syngnathidae. This species is well-known for its horse-like head, prehensile tail, and unique mode of locomotion. Seahorses are relatively small, with an average size that can vary but typically does not exceed 15 centimeters in height.

Seahorses are notable for their monogamous pair bonds and the male's role in pregnancy. Unlike most other fish, seahorses have a bony exoskeleton instead of scales, which provides them with a certain degree of protection.

Care

Keeping Common Seahorses in an aquarium requires a dedicated and patient approach. They thrive in a calm environment with minimal current and plenty of hitching posts such as seagrass or artificial decorations. Seahorses are not strong swimmers, so strong water flow can stress them. They feed on live or frozen mysis shrimp and should be fed at least twice a day due to their inefficient digestive systems.

Reproduction

One of the most fascinating aspects of seahorse biology is their reproductive behavior. The male seahorse is equipped with a brood pouch where the female deposits her eggs. After fertilization, the male incubates the eggs until they hatch, releasing fully formed miniature seahorses into the water.

Habitat

The Common Seahorse is found in the shallow coastal waters of the northeast Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer habitats with seagrass beds, estuaries, and mangroves where they can camouflage and anchor themselves effectively.