How to Take Care of a Seahorse

Seahorses capture the hearts of millions every year. This may be largely due to the seahorse's inclusion in pretty much any cartoon movie that takes place under the sea. Not only are seahorses amazing in a cartoon, they are also quite amazing in real life. From their interesting look to the fact that the male is the one who gives birth, this creature can make a fascinating learning experience in your home aquarium. Here's how to take care of a seahorse.

Things You'll Need

• Seahorse
• 30- to 50-gallon fish tank
• Sponges
• Mysid shrimp

Instructions

1. Set up your aquarium. A seahorse is not as hardy as a goldfish, so you will need a little bit more of a setup than just a bowl and a couple of pebbles. Beyond the typical factors to keeping up a salt-water aquarium, such as water temperature and pH, you will also need plenty of things for the seahorse to be able to wrap its tail around and hide behind so it feels safe. Sponges are a great addition to a seahorse tank, as they also provide a natural food source for your seahorse. Your aquarium should also be relatively small to allow for your seahorse to be able to find the food—30 to 50 gallons is just about right.

2. Adjust your salinity. Depending on the species you have bought, you may need to adjust the salt content in your tank. In general about 30 ppt (parts per thousand) is about the right salinity level to keep your tank at.

3. Feed your seahorses correctly. Feeding can be the most difficult part of housing a seahorse. Seahorses are particularly fond of Mysid shrimp. If you can get them live, it's even better, but frozen works just as well. Most seahorses that you would buy from a pet store or aquarium have already been trained to eat the frozen version of these, so you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting them to eat the shrimp. Seahorses should be fed about twice a day.

4. Introducing tank mates. Seahorses are particularly fragile creatures and so need fish that are not going to create a threat to them. Stick with slow moving, non-aggressive fish. Examples would be Gobis, Trunk Fishes and Dragonettes.

Tips & Warnings

• Seahorses need constant care. Be sure to check on them daily, since their health can fluctuate very quickly.