Origin
Hippocampus zosterae or pygmy seahorse is one of the most popular species of seahorses.
It is part of the family Syngnathidae, genus Hippocampus and has its origins in the Bahamas and the United States.
It is currently in danger due to the environment that no longer offers the same favorable conditions for life, but also because it is used in medicine throughout Asia.
The pygmy seahorse is listed in the Guinness Book of records because it is the fish that swims the slowest.
Feeding dwarf seahorse
The nutrition of the dwarf seahorse does not raise any problems for aquarists.
As with most species, the more balanced the diet is, the lower the risks of certain diseases. It is good that their diet includes a lot of small crustaceans.
In the natural environment, sea horses Hunt from time to time waiting for their prey by hanging on plants with the help of small prehensile tails.
Characteristics and description dwarf seahorse
As the name says, this little fish has the appearance of a horse, in the sense that it has a slightly elongated snout and arched body. The eyes move independently of each other, and the tail is prehensile and with its help can cling to various plants.
The skin is not covered with scales but has small tubercles. The color can be different from one specimen to another, there are varieties green, black, white, golden or brown.
The maximum size that this fish can reach is 5 cm. Males, unlike females, have a small incubator sac at the abdomen.
When young, dwarf seahorses have a much more developed head than the rest of the body, but as they grow, the body develops harmoniously.
In the natural environment, the dwarf seahorse spends most of its time among underwater plants. That is why it is preferable that the aquarium in which this fish is raised to imitate as much as possible the conditions that the natural environment offers.
The aquarium should have a capacity of about 10 l. the optimum water temperature in the aquarium should be between 23-26gr C, and the pH should not exceed 8.4. Plants should not be missing from the Aquarium of these small fish.
The pygmy seahorse is a peculiar fish with a special behavior. They are usually solitary fish, or live in pairs, but not in very large groups. The way these fish communicate is also very interesting.
Aquarists have noticed that they sometimes change their color depending on the environment. This is a method by which dwarf seahorses communicate. Moreover, research has shown that they also emit some sounds during reproduction or while feeding, also to communicate.
Although many recommend an aquarium of only 10 liters for the little fish, I share the thought of professional breeders who prefer a minimum Aquarium of 20 to 50 liters for numerous reasons. First, it is easier to maintain and control.
Water changes its temperature more difficult due to the larger quantity, the aquarium must be at least 20 liters because besides the Seahorse also enters filter, decoration plants (stones, etc.) and probably other fish.
Breeding dwarf seahorse
Reproduction is not difficult either. The breeding season begins in mid-February and ends in late October. It is very interesting how the male exerts his entire paternal spirit throughout this period, especially given that he is the one who carries his future Cubs in the sac on the abdomen.
Before mating, the dance by which the male woos the female is special in the true sense of the word. The aquarium must be prepared in advance by the aquarist to allow future parents to breed in compliance with all conditions.
After the female lays the eggs in the small sac on the abdomen of the male with the help of its ovopositor, it remains on the territory of the male, the relationship between them being very interesting to observe; every morning the pair "dances" briskly for a few minutes and changes its color.
The male puts a lot of effort and energy into this whole process. After the Cubs have come into the world, although they are very small, they can swim and feed independently.
Sexual dimorphism is quite clear: males have an incubating pouch at the base of the abdomen and longer tails.
If all conditions are observed, the dwarf seahorse can live up to 5 years. It is a fish suitable for both beginners and more advanced aquarists.
