Individuals who want to enjoy a more out of the ordinary aquarium pet than goldfish may want to consider keeping seahorses as pets. Seahorses are actually classified as marine fish and buying and selling them is regulated by international law. It's a good idea to do some investigating first to find a reputable source of captive bred seahorses online. Expect to spend at least $50 or more per seahorse.
Consider proper housing if keeping a seahorse as a pet
In order to thrive, seahorses must be kept under proper conditions in a saltwater aquarium, so make sure that the aquarium you already own or are purchasing can accommodate saltwater marine life. Using a reef set-up in your aquarium, be sure that your flow rate of water moving through the pumps is 10x-20x per hour. This ensures fast export of all seahorse waste. Be certain to cover all intake and overflow valves to prevent slow swimming seahorses from harm.
Sea horses prefer a lower water temperature
In addition to being very susceptible to bacterial infection; seahorses must have a lower water temperature than most other saltwater marine life inhabitants. Tank temperature must be kept constant below 74 degrees and all areas of the tank must be meticulously maintained and kept clean to prevent your seahorses from developing any bacterial infections. Seahorses tend to move and feed very slowly, so don't stress their environment by mixing them with very fast moving fish.
Sea horses thrive on live food
Some seahorse owners often keep only their seahorse pets in the same tank. They thrive best in an environment that provides a variety of hitches rather than rock walls. Coral branches and artificial plants do the job nicely. Most seahorses thrive only on live food and they like to eat well and eat often. Be sure your budget can sustain buying a constant supply of live saltwater shrimp to feed your new pets!
