Common name: Jayakar's seahorse
General information
Jayakar's Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus jayakari, is a captivating species that charms aquarists with its unique shape and behavior. This seahorse is characterized by its slender body, prehensile tail, and the ability to change color to blend with its surroundings. They are not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some other seahorse species, but they are a treasure for those who do keep them.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 17 cm (7″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs stable conditions
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods
- Social
- Pair Pairs are often monogamous
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Available captive-bred
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPipefishesSyngnathiformes
- FamilyPipefishesSyngnathidae
- GenusSeahorseHippocampus
- SpeciesJayakar's seahorseHippocampus jayakari Boulenger, 1900
Care
Jayakar's Seahorse requires a specialized aquarium setup that mimics their natural environment. They need a peaceful tank with plenty of hitching posts such as soft corals or macroalgae. Strong water currents should be avoided as these seahorses are not strong swimmers. A diet of live or frozen mysis shrimp and other small crustaceans is essential for their health.
Reproduction
Like other seahorses, Hippocampus jayakari exhibits fascinating reproductive behavior. The males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. The young are then released into the water column, fully formed and independent.
Habitat
Jayakar's Seahorse is found in the Western Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. They typically inhabit shallow waters, often associating with soft corals and gorgonians which provide camouflage and support.