Lined Seahorse

The lined seahorse is a relatively large and hardy Atlantic seahorse that takes its name from the thin white lines on its neck. Its color varies from yellow to brown, orange and gray. Captive-bred individuals are widely available; they are used to frozen mysis and much hardier than wild individuals. Legal note: All seahorses are listed in CITES Appendix II; the native seahorses of the Mediterranean are protected and must not be collected from the wild.

• At least 120 liters and at least 50 cm of depth for a pair; about 40 liters for each additional pair.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.025, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 21–25°C; in warm water the risk of bacterial disease increases.
• Gentle, diffuse flow; filter intakes must be guarded.
• Plenty of hitching posts (gorgonians, macroalgae, rope). Anemones and stinging corals are not added.

Carnivorous. Because it has no stomach, it must be fed 2–3 times a day. Enriched frozen mysis is the staple food; leftover food must be removed immediately.

Peaceful and slow; it loses the competition for food to fast fish. During courtship pairs change color and "dance" together. The male carries the eggs in the pouch on his belly and releases hundreds of fry at birth.

Good companions: Other seahorses (from the same source), small calm gobies, pajama and Banggai cardinalfish, nerite snails.

Avoid: Fast and greedy fish, pufferfish and triggerfish, crabs, anemones and stinging corals.