Aquarium species profile

Seahorse

Hippocampus spp. (captive-bred) · Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans

Minimum tank30 gal (tall tank preferred)

Adult size5–7"

Care levelExpert

TemperamentPeaceful

Temperature72–75°F

pH range8.1–8.4

Diet

Carnivore – live/frozen mysis shrimp exclusively; must be target-fed

Compatible tank mates

Captive-bred seahorses (same species), pipefish, small peaceful fish only

Tank mates to avoid

Any fish that moves quickly, competes for food, or may nip them; stinging corals

Care notes

Extremely challenging; species-only or very limited tank mates. Requires trained/captive-bred specimens. Males carry young in pouch. Poor swimmers; strong flow is harmful. Prone to bacterial infections.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician