Common name: Slender seahorse

General information

The Longsnout Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus reidi, is a captivating species popular among marine aquarists. This seahorse is known for its elongated snout and vibrant coloration, which can range from red, orange, yellow, to even green or black, depending on its environment and diet. They are relatively large for seahorses, reaching up to 7 inches in length.

In the wild, Hippocampus reidi is often found clinging to seagrasses or corals with their prehensile tails. Their ability to camouflage and their slow, graceful movements make them fascinating to observe.

Care

Longsnout Seahorses require a specialized aquarium setup that mimics their natural habitat. They thrive in a peaceful, slow-flowing environment with plenty of hitching posts like seagrass or artificial equivalents. These seahorses are not strong swimmers, so strong currents should be avoided.

They feed on live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods. It's important to ensure a continuous supply of live food, as they have a high metabolism and need to eat frequently. Some individuals may be trained to eat frozen foods over time.

Reproduction

Seahorses are known for their unique reproductive behavior, where the males carry the fertilized eggs. In Hippocampus reidi, the male has a brood pouch where the female deposits her eggs during mating. After a gestation period, the male gives birth to fully formed miniature seahorses.

Breeding Longsnout Seahorses in captivity can be challenging but rewarding. It requires excellent water quality and a stable, stress-free environment.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Longsnout Seahorse includes the shallow coastal waters of the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina in the United States to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They are typically found in seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs.