Erectus Seahorse – Captive Bred (Hippocampus erectus)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Max Size: Up to 7 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide – Erectus Seahorse

The Erectus Seahorse, scientifically known as Hippocampus erectus, is a widespread species for saltwater aquariums. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed information about their habitat, reef compatibility, size, temperament, sexual dimorphism, lifespan, diet in aquariums, aquascaping recommendations, availability as captive-bred, compatibility with other fish and invertebrates, and common names they are known by.

Habitat:

The Erectus Seahorse is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. They are commonly found in seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove areas.

Reef Compatibility:

The Erectus Seahorse is reef safe as it does not disturb corals or other invertebrates. However, ensuring that the corals and invertebrates in the aquarium are not aggressive towards the seahorses is important.

Size:

The Erectus Seahorse can reach a maximum size of up to 7 inches, with males typically slightly smaller than females.

Temperament:

These seahorses have a peaceful temperament and are generally non-aggressive towards other tankmates.

Sexual Dimorphism:

The males have a more slender body and a longer tail than females. Females also have larger bellies due to their role in carrying and giving birth to the young.

Lifespan:

The average lifespan of the Erectus Seahorse is around 2-4 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 5 years or more.

Diet in Aquariums:

Erectus Seahorses are carnivorous and primarily feed on small crustaceans and tiny live foods such as brine shrimp, copepods, and mysis shrimp. It is important to provide them with a varied diet to meet their nutritional needs.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

To anchor themselves, Creating a suitable seahorse environment involves providing plenty of vertical structures, such as live rock or artificial decorations. The aquarium should also have low to moderate water flow to mimic their natural habitat.

Captive Bred Availability:

Yes, the Erectus Seahorse is available as captive-bred. Captive-bred seahorses are generally hardier and more adaptable to aquarium conditions than wild-caught specimens. They also help reduce the impact on wild populations.

Compatibility with Other Tankmates:

Erectus Seahorses can coexist with peaceful fish species and invertebrates that are not aggressive or known to nip at their delicate bodies. Here are five specific tankmates that make good choices:

1. Clownfish – They are peaceful and add vibrant colors to the aquarium.
2. Gobies – These small fish have interesting behaviors and won’t bother the seahorses.
3. Fire Shrimp – They are known for their striking appearance and are generally compatible with seahorses.
4. Snails – Snails help keep the aquarium clean and provide additional interest.
5. Soft Corals – Some soft corals, like Xenia, can coexist with seahorses and add beauty to the tank.

Other Common Names:

The Erectus Seahorse is also known by other common names such as Lined Seahorse, Northern Seahorse, and Spotted Seahorse.

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Popular Questions and Answers:

Q: How often should I feed my Erectus Seahorse?

A: It is recommended to feed them small portions multiple times a day, ensuring they have enough food without overfeeding.

Q: Can I keep multiple Erectus Seahorses together?

A: They can be kept in pairs or small groups as long as the aquarium is spacious enough to accommodate them comfortably.

Q: Do Erectus Seahorses require a specialized filtration system?

A: While a specialized filtration system is unnecessary, a well-maintained protein skimmer and regular water changes are important for their overall health.

Q: Can I keep Erectus Seahorses in a reef tank with SPS corals?

A: Keeping them with SPS corals is generally not recommended, as the seahorses may accidentally damage the delicate coral polyps while anchoring themselves.

Q: How can I encourage breeding in Erectus Seahorses?

A: Providing them with a suitable breeding environment, including plenty of vertical structures and live food options, can help stimulate breeding behavior. It is also important to ensure optimal water quality and temperature.