Description
Tank Bred and Raised
Hippocampus kuda, known as the Spotted Seahorse or Yellow Seahorse, is a graceful and adaptable species native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is characterized by its sleek body, long prehensile tail, and variable coloration, which ranges from golden yellow and sandy beige to dark brown or black, often adorned with fine spots or reticulated markings. This species is both resilient and elegant, thriving in calm, structured environments that allow it to display its natural slow-paced charm.
Origin: Indo-Pacific – widespread from India and Southeast Asia to northern Australia and Micronesia
Depth: 1–25 m (3–80 ft)
Lighting: Moderate – prefers gentle, diffused illumination that highlights its natural coloration
Flow: Low to moderate – gentle, steady current ideal for hitching and feeding
Tank Placement: Lower to midwater regions with ample holdfasts such as seagrass, macroalgae, or gorgonians
Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Carnivorous – feeds readily on live or frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and enriched brine shrimp offered multiple times per day
Temperament: Peaceful and social – thrives in pairs or small groups; should not be housed with aggressive or fast-feeding species
Size: Up to 17 cm (6.5 inches)
Care Level: Intermediate – requires pristine, stable conditions and frequent, varied feeding
Compatibility: Best suited for tranquil, species-focused aquaria; compatible with pipefish, small gobies, and gentle invertebrates
