Seahorses
are cataloged in the genus Hippocampus.
The members
of this genus belong to the family Syngnathidae. This family contains over 50
individual species including all seahorses and their close relatives
the pipefish. Seahorses
are
found in shallow waters of tropical
and temperate zones around the world.
The
name Hippocampus
is first recorder in Greek poetry. Hippos
means horse and campus
translates to sea monster. Ancient
Greeks and Romans believed seahorses were a gift from the sea god
Poseidon/Neptune. Despite their fragility, seahorses were perceived to
be a
symbol strength and power. There are three species of seahorse found in
the Mediterranean Sea. These are the Hippocampus
hippocampus or long snout, the
Hippocampus brevirostris
or short snout, and the Hippocampus
fuscus which emigrated from its
native habitat in the Red
Sea. Many
Europeans thought these equine-like
creatures bore the souls of recently departed sailors, providing them
safe
passage to the underworld and protecting over them until their souls
meant
their destiny. Seahorse fossils have been discovered dating as far back
as 13
million years. Here
we will focus both
the seahorse collectively and one specific species
Hippocampus kuda
also known as the
common seahorse.
The
common seahorse is indigenous to the Indo-Pacific. Twenty-three
countries have confirmed the presence of H.
Kuda ranging as far south as Australia
to as far north as China.
Seahorses have been
procured by Chinese herbologists for
their purported healing qualities for centuries. Native populations
throughout Indonesia
and the Central
Philippines also use
seahorses as a
component in herbalistic medicines. It
is estimated that up to 20 millions seahorses a year are harvested to
support
this thriving industry. Over fishing has driven seahorse populations to
the
verge of becoming endangered species. The common seahorse is currently
listed as
a vulnerable species by CITES (the
Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,
also
known as the Washington
Convention). CITES has regulated
the
import and
export of seahorses in this region of the world since 2004.
Unfortunately Indonesia,
Japan and South
Korea
do not recognize the
trade rules put
in place by the Washington Convention.
Seahorses
are a boney fish. They are devoid of scales. They
have a thin layer of skin stretched over a series of bony plates
arranged in
rings. Each individual species has a specific number of these rings.
Seahorses
have a cornet on their heeds. These cornets are distinctive to each
seahorse.
No two are identical much like a human fingerprint.
These
creatures swim vertically, a trait specific to
seahorses. They are poor swimmers who move very slowly in the water.
Propulsion
is achieved by the rapid flutter of the dorsal fin on their backs. They
maneuver with the use of their pectoral fins located behind their eyes.
They do
not possess a caudal (tail) fin. In its place there is a prehensile
tail which
they warp around stationary objects to anchor themselves.
In an aquarium seahorses
must be provided with objects to
anchor themselves to. Coral and small branches will suffice nicely.
These are
timid creatures that should never be housed with even moderately
aggressive
species. They are easily stressed. Prolonged periods of stress will
lower the
efficiency of their immune system making them more susceptible to
disease.
Gobies and other docile mannered fish will make suitable tank mates.
Seahorses
are primarily bottom dwellers. They will peacefully coexist with
ornamental
crustaceans and other bottom feeders. This makes them the perfect
compliment to
a marine reef aquarium. Kudas are among the largest of the seahorse
family, reaching
almost a full foot in length.
Amateur
aquarist should not attempt to raise seahorses. You
will only accomplish the unnecessary death of a rapidly vanishing
species.
Seahorses are only recommended for
the more experienced saltwater
aficionado.
All
seahorses are carnivorous. They use their snouts to suck
in zooplankton as a source of nutrition. Upon initial introduction to a
home
aquarium sea horses may only eat live food offerings. Rotifers,
mysis
and brine shrimp should help persuade them to
start feeding. With patience they can be weaned off of live food. These
are
slow feeders and must not be made to compete for their food.
In recent decades the
captive breeding of seahorses has
become increasingly widespread. The common seahorse is among these
commercially
raised specimens. Farm raised seahorses may already be acclimated to
non-living
food offerings. These are commonly more expensive than wild caught
seahorses.
However you have a specimen that will not have to endure the shock and
trauma
of being yanked out of its natural habitat and placed in the confines
of an
aquarium. Farm raised marine species are more disease resistant and
have a much
higher survivability rate. And you will
not be a participant in the further depletion of an already threatened
species.
