Common name: crowned seahorse

General information

The Japanese Seahorse, Hippocampus sindonis, is a captivating marine fish known for its unique horse-like appearance and prehensile tail. This species is relatively rare in the aquarium trade, primarily due to its limited distribution and specific habitat requirements. It is named after the Japanese ichthyologist Shiro Shiho.

Care

Caring for Japanese Seahorses requires a specialized setup that mimics their natural environment. They thrive in calm waters with plenty of gorgonians, seagrasses, or artificial structures to cling to with their tails. A species-specific or seahorse-only tank is recommended to meet their slow feeding habits and prevent competition from more aggressive fish. They feed on small, live foods such as copepods and brine shrimp, and maintaining a clean tank with stable water parameters is crucial for their health.

Reproduction

Like other seahorses, Hippocampus sindonis exhibits fascinating reproductive behavior. The males carry the fertilized eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch, releasing fully formed miniature seahorses into the water. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging but rewarding for experienced aquarists.

Habitat

The Japanese Seahorse is native to the temperate waters of Japan, particularly around the central and southern coasts. They are typically found in shallow coastal areas, clinging to algae or seagrasses, where they blend in to avoid predators. Their cryptic nature and small size make them a delicate species to observe in the wild.