![]() Their method of gas exchange is limited in comparison. First, and perhaps most importantly, seahorse gills are less efficient than those of other bony fishes. Seahorses are relatively lower on the evolutionary scale than most bony fishes, and there are a few differences you should know that will affect how you keep these animals. For now, let’s focus on these normal-sized horses, specifically Hippocampus erectus, H. The most common horses will reach a similar full-grown size, which is 5 to 8 inches in height. There are many different species of seahorses available to marine aquarists these days, and some species have very different requirements for their environment. I hope to dispel some of the mystery behind keeping seahorses, as well as demonstrate the basic requirements for building and maintaining a stable environment so that even a “beginner” aquarist may enjoy these fascinating and beautiful animals. Seahorses are fantastic creatures to observe in aquaria, and with a little advanced planning and research, they are not much more difficult to keep than many other fish. The seahorse is almost mythical in form, with its horselike head strangely mated with an armored, serpentine body. Nothing fits these descriptions more aptly than seahorses. We like to look for striking colors, unique personalities or differing physical forms to accent and complement our tanks. People all over the world seem enchanted by this myth-like creature.Aquarium hobbyists are often on the lookout for unique animals to stock in their miniature ecosystems. It is depicted on shower curtains, in framed prints, on stationery, etc. The Seahorse motif is a favorite of artists. erectus is called the Lined Seahorse - he has a pattern of dark, irregular, broad lines on a lighter background. erectus, found in shallow water from Cape Cod (and occasionally Nova Scotia) to Argentina and into the Gulf of Mexico, is about 5 inches. bargilante, off the coast of New Calodonia, is a fraction of that size - 2/3 of an inch. (Seahorses are normally in a vertical posture.) H. ingens, found in eastern Pacific waters, may grow to a “height” of 14 inches. ![]() The Seahorse is also used in pharmaceuticals. Living Seahorses are popular fish for aquariums. Nowadays dead Seahorses are even embedded (with other seashells) in lucite toilet seats. At one time, the heads were cut off and mounted on a wooden base to be used as chess pieces, because the Seahorse resembles the Knight. There are at least 37 species of this fish worldwide, but the genus is threatened because the unique creatures are harvested for use as food (!), keychains (!), and other curios and collectibles. A Seahorse couple is monogamous, and may produce as many as 1000 babies per batch. Strangely enough, the hormone prolactin (which stimulates milk production in human females) is produced by the “daddy” Seahorse. The female of the species deposits her eggs in a brood pouch on the ventral, or underside, of the male's tail, closer in to the “torso.” He raises the babies, providing the Seahorse eggs with oxygen, nutrients, and a nurturing environment overall. Brine shrimp are a favorite diet item - a young Seahorse can consume almost 3,500 baby brine shrimp in less than ten hours. Because the Seahorse is such an indiscriminate and voracious eater, and because his digestive system works quickly, some of the tiny animals he eats come out alive, only to be sucked in again. If a bigger fish than he can swallow gets sucked to his mouth, the Seahorse just might suck a chunk out of the fish. Then he can open the gills very quickly, enabling him to suck in everything around him through his straw-like snout. He snaps the gills together to force water out of its mouth. Its gills, on each side of its head, resemble cheeks. His body is covered in bony plates, giving him an “armored” look. He often uses this flexible tail to hold on to seagrasses or coral. He is the only fish possessing a prehensil, grasping tail. He can change colors, too both that and independent eye movement are also characteristic of chameleons. Hippocampus has prominent eyes and independent eye movement. It has almost invisible side fins, and swims in an upright position. ![]() The Seahorse is actually a very slow-swimming fish, and is related to the pipefishes. Its scientific name is Hippocampus, two words derived from the Greek, and meaning “horse” and “sea monster.” It looks, of course, a little like a horse (with no legs and a curved lower body). It is found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. The Seahorse is one of the oddest creatures on earth.
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