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All
seahorses
belong to the genus Hippocampus
which
is a part of the family
Syngnathidae. This family also
includes pipefishes. There
are 32 cataloged species of
seahorses living in the shallow tropical and temperate waters of the
world.
Seahorses range anywhere form 1 to 12 inches in length when fully grown
and
have an average life expectancy of 1 to 5 years depending on species.
The dwarf
seahorse or Hippocampus
zosterae
is among the
smallest of this genus. They are endemic to the Bahamas
and the coastal waters of the southern US. The
Hippocampus
ingens will often grow to
just over foot in
length. They are native to the
Pacific coast of Central America. The Hippocampus
erectus
is a medium sized seahorse growing to an average length of 7
inches. Here we will be focusing on the seashores in general and on the
erectus as a
single species.
Populations of the H.
erectus
exist along the Atlantic
coastline of North and South America and throughout
the Gulf of Mexico ranging as far south as Uruguay
and as far north
as Nova Scotia. Some have cirri
or sensory appendages on the heads. Others do not. These fish
frequently have
lined patterning throughout their body. They may of may not have
“saddle
markings.” This seahorse is commonly sold under the aquarium
trade names as a
northern or lined seahorse.
Northern
seahorses come in
a multitude of colors including white, black,
grey, brown, green, yellow, orange and varying shades of reds. They are
totally
devoid of blue pigmentation but yet still can be found in pale blue and
purple.
Spots and diamond patterning are quite typical on this species.
Coloration is
not fixed. Seahorses
have almost chameleon
type properties. Their coloring will change in intensity
depending on stress
levels, mood, diet or any number of other as yet unidentified factors.
Their melanophores
(black pigment cells) will expand under
stressful conditions making their appearance much darker. Their
chromatophores
(color pigmentation cells) will change is size and shaping depending on
their
state of anxiety. These are hormonal changes that can take place quite
rapidly.
A return to their “unstressed” coloration occurs
much more slowly. Brighter
colors indicate a sense of wellbeing
and confidence in their surroundings. Seahorses also have the
ability to change
their coloration to better blend in with their surroundings. This is a
natural
means of camouflage typical among seahorses. These creature’s
eyes operate
independently of one another much like a chameleon’s does.
Seahorses are among the most fragile marine
species kept in home
aquariums. Regardless of species, seahorses carry an advanced to expert
care
level. The Erectus
is one of the most hardy and robust of these delicate
creatures. If you have considered raising seahorses but have not yet
committed
to the idea, this particular seahorse would be an excellent choice. A
minimum
tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for this species.
Seahorses
are carnivorous. They may
only eat live food when you first introduce them to your aquarium.
Vitamin
enriched brine shrimp and rotifers make ideal food offerings. Given
time they
will learn to recognize non-living food as an acceptable means of
nutrition.
They may even eat flakes and pellets prepared for marine carnivores. As
always
a varied diet is recommended. Seashores can also be fed finely chopped
fresh
seafood.
Farm
raised seahorses are
becoming
more and more common place. Farm raised marine specimens are always
preferable to
captured species. They are more disease resistant and have a much lower
mortality rate. The northern seahorse will reach sexual maturity in
anywhere from
4-8 months. They have been known to breed in home aquariums. A
domesticated seahorse will eat right out of your hand. This species can
live up
to five years in captivity.
