Longsnout Seahorse

The longsnout seahorse is recognized by its slender build and a snout that is long compared with other seahorses. It comes in very different colors such as yellow, orange, red, brown and black; its body usually has small dark dots and light-colored patches. Aquarium-bred specimens are available; only captive-bred specimens used to frozen food should be chosen. 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; a tall aquarium.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.025, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 22–26°C.
• Gentle, diffuse flow; pump and filter intakes must be covered.
• Plenty of hitching posts; no anemones or stinging corals.

Carnivorous. Enriched frozen mysis 2–3 times a day; occasionally enriched live brine shrimp and copepods. Since it eats slowly, place the food right in front of it or in a feeding dish.

Peaceful, slow and skittish. It can change color according to its surroundings and mood. The male carries the eggs in the brood pouch on his belly.

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

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