Tropical Seahorses

[pembo]

hi there,

not sure what to post this in very sorry

but could you please helpp me im wondering where can you get tropical seahorses from and any idea how much they are ??

 

[afishdude]

I think they are tropical saltwater. Try asking this in the marine section.

 

[Bebobb]

I knoe for a fact that they are saltwater. You should ask in the marine section. I would order them off of the internet if you can't find them in your local area, or ask some members on this forum.

 

[sic0198]

They are expensive.

 

[Forestpisces]

And very sensative, generally you should get a few good years of tropical fish keeping under your belt before you venture to the salty side, it's alot more sciencey

Don't know whether i'll ever give it a try

There are some beautiful marine tanks out there though

 

[afishdude]

Don't forget about the cost! Those marine tanks are expensive!

 

[Crazy fishes]

Don't forget about the cost! Those marine tanks are expensive!

and a lot more addictive. I kept freshwater fish for a year and then made the transition to marine. I am not going back now; 2 marine tanks later and plans for a bigger and better setup. I do still have one freshwater tank that has a dwarf puffer, mountain minnow and a congo frog in.

As for seahorses they are a specialist pursuit. They are very delicate little creatures which for a pair will typically set you back around £100-£140. They require a low flow system with lots of docking sites as they like to hang on with their tails. They are fussy eaters and require multiple small feeds a day (4-5 times) and like all marine animals they require/ demand near prefect water conditions.

Hope this helps

Regards

 

[TigerIssey]

In addition to what Crazyfish said, seahorses are classed as a fish for the experienced marine fish keeper, not for a beginner to marines.

I am considering them in a species tank linked to the sump of the 6 ft tank I am going to be upgrading to. They are not impossible for a beginner, but they do require alot more research and a lot more experience IMO.

In addition you should always buy Captive Bred, wild seahorses are extremely difficult to get feeding and do not generally do well in aquariums. Captive Bred will usually cost more than wild caught too.

Crazy's estimate on price is about right, depending on species and where they originate from. Personally I would either buy from my LFS who gets stock from TMC or from someone on here who had bred them.

 

[kelwoo]

Hi

Seahorses (SH) are beautiful fish and if you have the time, money and dedication to them you will not be disappointed. Fish keeping experience is useful, but not necessary as long as you do lots and lots of research, take it slowly and ask for help if unsure from experienced keepers.

If you like the standard species (kuda, reidi) TMC and your LFS will likely do them, if you are after more exotic/ uncommon species a specialist shop is better. Never buy online unless you know/trust the seller. It is reconmended that before you buy SH you observe them for physical signs of ill health/ damage to their skin, check body mass and make sure they feed them infront of you so you can make sure they are eating. SH's can go down hill very fast very quickly so it is important to check them over before buying. (i travelled 9hrs round trip to see mine before i brought them)

As Tina said make sure you get captive breed SH as they are endangered and are already feeding on frozen foods.

As already mentioned they require a species only tank with special requirements such as : for most species a minium of 100L is required (allowing approx 30L per pair), Low flow (as high flow can stress them out and stress is one of the biggest killers of SH), Low light levels as SH have very sensitive eyes and if the light is too bright it can damage their eyes and they will hide, a tall tank as SH swim vertically not horizontally like normal fish, plenty of hiding/ hitching posts - macro algaes are great for this, it's sound silly but the more places they can hide the more likely you are to see them out and about as they feel safe. You will also need to feed them 2-3 times a day (if they eat frozen food you shouldn't feed them live food as they will go off the frozen), and be careful on what tank mates you have.

I'm not claiming to be an expert but i am one of only a few people on this forum with SH's so if you have any other Q's or need any help I'm more than willing to help. If your interest a link to my journal is below.

Kelwoo