Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lined Seahorse
AdvancedHippocampus erectus
A large seahorse from the Atlantic coast of the Americas. Captive-bred fish weaned onto frozen mysis are widely available, but it needs a species tank and several feedings a day. CITES Appendix II.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
20〜26℃
Lifespan
1-4 years
Size
Up to 17.8cm (height)
Diet
Frozen mysis (captive-bred fish), amphipods, enriched brine shrimp
About
The Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) is a syngnathid of the western Atlantic from the Scotian Shelf of Canada through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to Brazil. It anchors its tail to gorgonians and seagrass in coastal waters, also using floating weed and man-made structures, at 0-100m. Colour ranges from black, grey and brown to yellow depending on surroundings, with fine lines on the neck. Height up to 17.8cm. Males brood eggs in a pouch under the tail. Keep at 20-26C, pH 8.1-8.4 and SG 1.020-1.025 in a tall tank of 110L or more as a pair or small conspecific group in a species-only setup. It is a weak swimmer and needs branching live rock or artificial holdfasts. Most fish in trade are captive-bred and weaned onto frozen mysis; feed small amounts two or more times a day, supplemented by amphipods from live rock and enriched brine shrimp. All Hippocampus species are on CITES Appendix II, so import and export require permits. IUCN: Vulnerable.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Lined Seahorse
The Lined Seahorse lives 1-4 years.
Wild lifespan is 1-4 years, and captive fish often reach the full four.
Size of the Lined Seahorse
The Lined Seahorse grows to Up to 17.8cm (height).
Temperature & humidity for the Lined Seahorse
The ideal temperature for the Lined Seahorse is 20〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Western Atlantic (Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Brazil)
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 20–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
- Min. Tank
- 110 L
PeacefulWith cautionPairBreeding: Moderate
Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN VU · Vulnerable
Sources: CITES Appendix II (Hippocampus spp.) / CITES: Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Lined Seahorse Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
