The female Pot-Bellied Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) is a captivating addition to temperate marine aquariums. This tank-bred specimen, sized small to medium, offers hobbyists a sustainable and hardy option for seahorse enthusiasts.
Care Level: Moderate. Requires stable water parameters and specialised feeding.
Temperament and Compatibility: Generally peaceful but slow-moving, making them vulnerable to aggressive tank mates. Best kept with gentle species or in a dedicated seahorse tank.
Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on live or frozen mysis shrimp and other small crustaceans. Regular feeding multiple times daily is recommended to maintain health.
Minimum Tank Size: At least 120 litres to provide adequate swimming space and stable water conditions.
Water Parameters: Prefers temperate conditions with temperatures between 18-22°C, salinity of 1.020-1.025 SG, and moderate water flow to mimic natural habitats without stressing the animal.
Placement: Provide plenty of hitching posts such as macroalgae, seagrass, or specialised seahorse décor to allow natural clinging behaviour.
Origin: Native to temperate coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand.
Maximum Size: Up to 30 cm in height, with females typically slightly smaller than males.
Tank-bred specimens are preferred for ethical reasons and tend to adapt better to aquarium life compared to wild-caught individuals.
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