Neptune’s rating:
49- Conservation StatusData Deficient
- DifficultyDifficult
- HardinessModerate
- Liters per Fish100 L
- OriginIndian Ocean And The Central Western Pacific Ocean
- pH8.1 - 8.4
- PopularityModerate
- RarityRare
- Temperature23.0 - 28.0 °C
- Territorial BehaviourHighly Territorial
- VibrancyModerately Vibrant
Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.
More about Thorny Seahorse
The Thorny Seahorse (Hippocampus histrix) is characterized by its distinctive thorny projections and a coloration that can vary widely, including shades of brown, yellow, or green, often with variable mottling to blend into its surroundings. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting shallow waters among coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves. It features a slender body up to about 17 cm long, adorned with spiny protrusions for camouflage. Although fascinating, the Thorny Seahorse is not among the most common seahorses in the aquarium hobby, partly due to its specific care requirements and vulnerability in captivity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a seahorse is a fish. Belonging to the family Syngnathidae, which also includes pipefish and seadragons, seahorses possess several defining characteristics of fish. They breathe through gills and have dorsal fins that aid in swimming, as well as pectoral fins near their heads for steering. Instead of typical fish scales, seahorses have bony plates arranged in rings around their bodies. Additionally, they are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, relying on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. Despite their unique appearance and upright swimming posture, these features confirm that seahorses are indeed classified as fish.
Seahorses have a unique reproduction method where the male becomes pregnant. During courtship, the female deposits her eggs into the male's brood pouch. The male fertilizes the eggs and carries them until they hatch, usually after two to four weeks. He then gives birth to fully formed baby seahorses, known as fry, which are independent from birth.