Hippocampus zosterae – Dwarf Seahorse
Dwarf Seahorses, scientifically known as Hippocampus zosterae, belong to the family Syngnathidae. They are among the smallest of the 32 known seahorse species, growing to an adult length of only 3 to 5 centimeters. Their natural habitat stretches from Bermuda to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. These seahorses are commonly found in the brackish waters of bays and estuaries, as well as in the open ocean.
Seahorses are undeniably one of the most elegant creatures in the ocean. Their slow, graceful movements can captivate any observer.
Description
Dwarf seahorses come in various shades, including white, yellow, and brown. However, color is largely dependent on the individual seahorse’s state of mind. Their coloration and brightness can change based on mood, stress, and levels of excitement. Additionally, they can alter their color to blend in with their environment or to match their favorite plants. Some dwarf seahorses have striped patterns, while others may exhibit lighter or darker spots on their bodies. Due to their small size, they are often affectionately referred to as sea ponies.
Seahorses are slow and shy animals, making them easy targets for harassment, even from species that are generally considered peaceful. They are slow eaters and may struggle to compete for food against faster species, often going hungry if necessary. Suitable tank mates for seahorses include bottom dwellers like smaller hermit crabs, crustaceans, and snails. They also get along well with more friendly fish, such as gobies and blennies. Many aquarists dedicate specific tanks to raising seahorses, as having a group of them swimming together in a tank creates a captivating visual experience without the need for faster-moving species.
The Aquarium
This species is one of the few saltwater options that can be kept in tanks of 10 gallons or less. They are an excellent choice for the new nano reefs that have gained popularity in recent years. You can keep a small group of seahorses in a tank of at least 5 gallons, provided you have experience maintaining smaller saltwater environments.
Dwarf seahorses thrive better in smaller tanks rather than larger ones. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind: the smaller the tank, the quicker the water parameters can change. It is crucial to avoid placing a nano tank near a window or a heater, as temperature fluctuations can occur rapidly with small volumes of water. Maintaining a strict schedule for water quality management in nano tanks is essential. Regular partial water changes should be conducted to prevent nitrate levels from rising to harmful levels.
Seahorses require many suitable locations to anchor themselves, as they spend most of their day clinging to stationary objects. If you’re worried about maintaining coral or other live animals and plants in your aquarium, plastic plants can be a good alternative, provided they do not have any sharp edges.
Seahorses are recommended only for experienced aquarists due to their delicate nature and specific feeding requirements. They need a diet consisting of freshly hatched baby brine shrimp, copepods, and other types of shrimp larvae. When first introduced to an aquarium, seahorses will not recognize non-living food as a source of nutrition. As a result, many keepers choose to breed their own brine shrimp instead of trying to change the seahorses’ feeding habits.
Breeding Hippocampus zosterae – Dwarf Seahorse
Dwarf Seahorses are prolific breeders in captivity. Unlike many other seahorse species, they have smaller broods, which makes breeding easier in controlled environments. The gestation period for male pygmy seahorses typically lasts between ten and fourteen days. A single brood can contain anywhere from 3 to 30 newborn seahorses. With well-maintained water conditions, the survival rate for the young can be as high as 60%. During the first two weeks, the young seahorses can double in size. To support their growth, they need to be fed several times a day with newly hatched brine shrimp. They reach sexual maturity within 3 to 4 months.
Video
The Birth of Seahorses:
Author
Exotic-aquariums (original website no longer online)
Copyright images
Josh More – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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