Breeding Seahorses
August 21, 2009 · Print This Article
Despite the fact that more advanced marine aquarists visit Aquaristsonline in increasing numbers the website was originally targeted at beginners. Nothing has changed, so why is anything being written about breeding which is in the area of the more advanced among us?
The answer is that earlier, and also more recently information has been given about keeping seahorses, such as how to create the necessary species aquarium etc (see blog and ‘Articles’). I have a soft spot for these endearing creatures and at the same time am well aware of the pressure on them in the wild because of collection. Therefore it seems reasonable to ‘round off’ with something about breeding.
In the first place it must be stated that breeding these creatures is not for the complete beginner. Any aquarist who has bred marine fish including the ‘easier’ clowns could proceed. Don’t let that put you off though; it’s not beyond the scope of anyone who has accumulated some experience. How can the level of experience be judged? The aquarist must be absolutely capable of maintaining continuous high quality seawater, and this is easily shown after say a year with the use of test kits. Definitely zero ammonia and nitrite, and a very low level, if any, of nitrate. Phosphate is best undetectable. Finally, any other requirements specific to the type of aquarium system need to be acceptably stable at the correct levels, such as calcium etc. If the aquarist is able to maintain the required parameters as a matter of course then ok, the seawater in the seahorse aquarium will also be maintained at high quality. It is clear that seahorses, as with fish, need to be happy and healthy before there is any chance of breeding, and this depends very much on their environment.
Now I’m not going to start advising the best way to breed seahorses and how to do it, there are those better qualified than me. So what I have done is provide two links:
http://www.petplace.com/fish/how-to-breed-a-seahorse/page1.aspx
http://www.spc.int/coastfish/News/LRF/5/10Breed.htm
Successfully keeping a seahorse aquarium is very satisfying. Actually breeding them must really be wonderful and a source of great pride. In addition, the local fish shop or marine aquarist colleagues would no doubt be interested in the offspring so there won’t be any difficulty in sourcing placements. Finally of course the pressure from collection will be eased that little bit more.
nice information given about seahorse in this blog and i was really not aquaintant to such an aquatic animal and really thanks for that
Hi.
Thanks for the kind comments, we’re glad it was interesting.
.-= John´s last blog ..Breeding Seahorses =-.
Breeding seahorses isn’t that difficult. If you have a pair and they’re happy, chances are they’ll breed. Its raising the young that can be particularly challenging!
.-= Aquagrrl´s last blog ..Pygmy Seahorses =-.
Hi.
Thanks for that – so it’s logical really, get a pair, maintain high quality conditions and the couple should hit it off!
Then it’s raising the young – more difficult with all species really including us!
.-= John´s last blog ..Breeding Seahorses =-.
it’s logical really, get a pair, maintain high quality conditions and the couple should hit it off!thanks for sharting such nice information
Hi.
Glad you liked it!
.-= John´s last blog ..Goldfish And Marine Aquariums =-.
wow it’s niceand informative…for breeding seahorse make a breeding environment in your tank…
.-= achintya´s last blog ..MY BLUE DIAMOND BREEDING PAIR DISCUS FISH =-.
Nice blog i was not known to such an aquatic animal thanks for such an awareness.
Thanks for the compliment. Seahorses are really endearing creatures.
.-= John´s last blog ..The Long Loud Silence =-.
Usually i do not like aquatic animals but nice to see this breeding seahorse.
.-= wholesale thailand clothing´s last blog ..Baiyoke Wholesale Apparel =-.
Nice pic glad to see such a weird animal.
I bred seahorses for years, It is really a rewarding and inspring thing to do!
Glad to hear it. As time goes on aquarists’ ability in general increases and this includes the breeding of many creatures. Strangely enough, generally speaking corals are easier than for example fish so reef aquarists can usually generate some income from their corals and all aquarists could maybe try other lifeforms. It does the hobby good and helps the reefs.