Common name: little seahorse

General information

The Dwarf Seahorse, Hippocampus zosterae, is one of the smallest seahorse species in the world, reaching a maximum size of about 5 centimeters (2 inches). They are known for their endearing appearance and the male's unique ability to carry and birth young. These seahorses are often yellow or greenish in color, which helps them blend into their seagrass surroundings.

Care

Dwarf Seahorses require a specialized aquarium setup that mimics their natural calm, shallow water habitats. They thrive in tanks with gentle water flow and plenty of hitching posts like seagrass or soft corals. They need to be fed frequently with live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp, as they do not have a stomach and must eat constantly to survive.

Reproduction

Like all seahorses, Dwarf Seahorses exhibit fascinating reproductive behaviors. The female transfers her eggs to the male's brood pouch, where he fertilizes and carries them until they hatch. The gestation period is about 10 to 14 days, after which the male gives birth to tiny, fully formed offspring.

Habitat

Dwarf Seahorses are native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of North America, from Florida to Bermuda. They are typically found in shallow seagrass beds, where they use their prehensile tails to anchor themselves to vegetation or other substrates.