The Secrets of the Sea: The Fascinating Breeding of Seahorses

In the depths of the ocean, where life bustles in eternal silence, seahorses emerge like creatures from a fairy tale. These beings, with spiraling bodies and curious gazes, carry out an ancient dance of survival and care, challenging the conventions of nature with their peculiar way of reproduction and nurturing.

The price of seahorses can vary considerably depending on the species, size and region. According to the most recent information available, the average price of a seahorse is approximately $44. However, prices can range from $33 for the most accessible ones to $109 for more exotic or rare species.
In Spain, for example, the price of a seahorse of the species Hippocampus Barbouri (Yellow) is 155 euros. It is important to note that these prices are indicative and may change depending on availability and demand.

The seahorse, with its elegant crown and prehensile tail, is the protagonist of an underwater love story that begins with a delicate courtship. In an unexpected twist to traditional roles, it is the male who carries in his belly the promise of the future life. After receiving the eggs from the female, he incubates them in her ventral pouch, providing an aquatic sanctuary for the development of the young.

Post-Birth Care: A Survival Challenge

Once born, the little seahorses must navigate a world full of dangers. Without additional parental care, their survival depends on meticulous pre-breeding and a well-prepared habitat. Fans of these magical beings should ensure that their aquariums mimic ocean conditions, with pure salt water and decorations that do not upset their delicate balance.

To begin breeding seahorses, it is essential to have adequate equipment and specific supplies that ensure an optimal environment for their development. Here is a list of what you need:

Suitable Aquarium

Height: Double that of the seahorse to allow vertical swimming.
Space: Wide, although they are not very swimming species, they require activity and space to settle.

Decorative Elements and Free Spaces

Fixation: Objects where they can be attached, such as corals or artificial plants.
Swimming: Free spaces so they can move without obstacles.

Water Conditions

Quality: Crystal clear water with little residue, which implies effective mechanical filtration.
Water Changes: Perform them frequently to maintain quality.
Parameters: Ammonium and nitrites at 0, nitrates not exceeding 10-15 mg/l.
Salinity: Around 35 grams per liter, never less than 32.
Temperature: It should not be below 26.5ºC to encourage reproduction.

Lighting and Photoperiod

Photoperiod: Between 12 and 14 hours of light on a regular basis.
Feeding
Quality: As important as the quality of the water. It must be rich and appropriate for the species.

Specific Equipment

Filtration: Efficient to keep waste to a minimum1.
Automatic Fill: To maintain constant salinity, avoiding fluctuations.

Fry Nursery

Isolation: A small, quiet space for the first months of life, avoiding accidents.
Support: Include natural elements such as caulerpe branches so they can perch.

Although having a seahorse as a pet may seem tempting due to its exotic beauty, we must ask ourselves if we are prepared to assume the great responsibility that comes with caring for it. These animals are extremely sensitive to stress and inadequate conditions, requiring a serious commitment to their well-being.

Seahorses invite us to reflect on the wonder of marine life and the importance of its preservation. By caring for them, we not only become guardians of their species, but also defenders of the ocean that houses them. May their dance continue for eons, not only in our fish tanks, but in the vast waters that are their ancestral home.