The sea horse is by far one of the most fascinating saltwater fishes, and, they make amazing pets. The seahorse, named for its resemblance to a horse, is far from being related to any equine species. The Seahorse is actually of the family Sygnathida, which also includes leafy sea dragons and piper fish. Seahorses, however, are unlike any other fish.
Unlike most fish, the sea horse’s body does not contain scales. Rather than scales seahorses have a unique set of rectangular boney plates, covered by a thin skin. More unique still, seahorses swim upright, rather than horizontally like most other fish. Not only are seahorses unique amongst the fishes, they are very unique amongst themselves. Each species of sea horse has a unique number of rings. Perhaps even more interesting, however, is the fact that Each individual sea horse has its own identification mark. Just as every human has their own fingerprints, every sea horse has its own coronet located on the animal’s head.
The most fascinating trait of all, perhaps, is the intimate relationships seahorses form with one another. Like humans, seahorses tend to be monogamous, mating for life. The seahorse’s resemblance to us humans, is part of what makes them so endearing to us as pests. Prior to mating, seahorses undergo what is referred to as courtship. Their courtship period typically lasts several days. During this time period, the seahorses are known to change color, dance, and “hold tails”, much the way human lovers hold hands.
Unlike humans, however, the male is the one who becomes “pregnant”. During the “true courtship dance” which lasts approximately 8 hours, the female deposits her eggs into the male’s pouch, where he then fertilizes them, and continues to carry them for two to four weeks depending on the species. During this time, the eggs hatch within the pouch, and the male prepares to give birth. During his pregnancy of her mate, the female visit’s the male daily. During these daily visits, the seahorses are known to dance, change color, and hold tails, much like they did during their courtship.
When it comes time for him to give birth the male seahorse may give birth to as few as one and as many as two thousand baby seahorses, known as fry. The male seahorse typically gives birth at night, by undergoing a series of muscle contractions which expel the fry from his pouch. After that, they are on their own. Once the birth has taken place, neither parent takes responsibility for the offspring.
While these amazing creatures make excellent pets, it is important to purchase a seahorse that has been raised in captivity, rather than one from the wild. seahorses brought in from the wild, tend to refuse food, becoming depressed and sickly. Seahorses who have been raised in captivity, however can live happily in an aquarium, making them excellent pets. Seahorses typically fare the best when kept with other seahorses, or other compatible companions, such as many species of shrimp and other bottom feeders. When kept happy and healthy, seahorses are truly a joy to behold, and wonderful choice for a pet.
