Common name: Japanese seahorse

General information

The Japanese Seahorse, Hippocampus mohnikei, is a captivating species known for its unique shape and behavior. This seahorse is relatively small, with adults typically reaching sizes of up to 10 centimeters. They exhibit a variety of colors, often blending with their surroundings to camouflage themselves from predators. Their prehensile tails allow them to anchor to seagrasses or corals, making them a fascinating addition to any reef aquarium.

Care

Caring for Hippocampus mohnikei requires a dedicated and patient aquarist. They thrive in a calm environment with minimal water flow and plenty of hitching posts such as soft corals or macroalgae. Seahorses are susceptible to stress and disease if water quality is not maintained, so a well-established filtration system and regular water testing are crucial. They primarily feed on live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods, and they benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day.

Reproduction

Japanese Seahorses are ovoviviparous, with males carrying the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch. The courtship display is a fascinating dance that can last for several hours. After gestation, the male gives birth to tiny, fully formed seahorses. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging but rewarding, requiring a separate breeding tank and meticulous care for the fry, which need a constant supply of live food.

Habitat

Hippocampus mohnikei is native to the Western Pacific, particularly around Japan, Korea, and parts of China. They are typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and seagrass beds. In the wild, they are often associated with mangrove habitats and can be found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 20 meters.

Aquarists should aim to replicate these conditions as closely as possible, with a focus on providing a stable and stress-free environment.