💙🌊 Hippocampus erectus – Tank Bred
Lined Seahorse – Captive Bred, Hardy & Ethically Sourced
🔹 Quick Stats
Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Tank Bred (Captive Bred)
Colour Form: Variable – natural shades of yellow, brown, black, orange or mottled patterns, with the ability to adapt coloration to surroundings
Adult Size: Up to 18–20 cm
Water Conditions: 22–25 °C | pH 8.1–8.4 | sg 1.020–1.025
Family: Syngnathidae
Diet: Frozen foods (trained)
Flow: Low to moderate, gentle and non-turbulent
Tank Requirement: Species-dedicated or seahorse-safe system
🧬 Overview
Hippocampus erectus, commonly known as the Lined Seahorse, is one of the most robust and adaptable seahorse species available in the aquarium trade — when captive bred.
All specimens offered are 100% tank bred, ensuring superior survival rates, reduced stress, and full adaptation to aquarium life.
This species is renowned for its upright posture, expressive eyes, and calm, almost hypnotic behaviour. Tank bred individuals readily accept frozen foods, display stronger immune systems, and are significantly more resilient than wild-caught counterparts.
Each specimen is carefully selected for:
- Strong feeding response to frozen foods
- Full tail grip and normal swimming posture
- Clean skin with no lesions or gas bubble symptoms
- Calm, alert behaviour and stable buoyancy
An excellent choice for aquarists looking to keep seahorses responsibly and successfully.
🍽️ Care & Feeding
Tank bred Hippocampus erectus are fully trained to eat frozen foods.
Recommended diet:
- Frozen Mysis (primary staple)
- Enriched frozen crustaceans (optional rotation)
Feeding guidelines:
- 2–3 small feedings per day
- Target feeding or feeding station strongly recommended
- Remove uneaten food to maintain water quality
Vitamin enrichment (HUFA, DHA) is advised for long-term health.
📈 Optimal Parameters
|
Parameter |
Ideal Range |
|
Temperature |
22–25 °C |
|
Salinity |
1.020–1.025 |
|
pH |
8.1–8.4 |
|
Nitrate (NO₃) |
<10 ppm |
|
Phosphate (PO₄) |
<0.05 ppm |
|
Ammonia / Nitrite |
0 |
Stable parameters are critical — seahorses do not tolerate sudden changes.
📍 Placement & Tank Setup
Seahorses require a specialised environment:
- Gentle, laminar or indirect flow
- Hitching posts (gorgonians, macroalgae, artificial corals)
- Adequate vertical space
- Peaceful tank mates only (or species-only system)
Avoid:
- Strong, turbulent flow
- Aggressive or fast-feeding fish
- Stinging corals or strong chemical competitors
Best kept in dedicated seahorse aquariums or carefully planned low-flow marine systems.
💙🌊 Hippocampus erectus – Tank Bred
A calm, intelligent and iconic marine species, bred in captivity for maximum success in home aquariums.
Ideal for aquarists who value ethics, stability, and a truly unique marine experience.
✔️ Captive bred & ethically sourced
✔️ Fully adapted to frozen foods
✔️ Selected for health, behaviour and long-term success