Lined Seahorse (Captive Bred)

Also known as Northern Seahorse, Spotted Seahorse, Atlantic Seahorse

The captive-bred Lined Seahorse is a fascinating and beautiful species native to the Western Atlantic, featuring variable coloration from brown to yellow to orange with distinctive vertical lines along the body. This hardy, peaceful species is one of the most suitable seahorses for home aquariums. Captive-bred specimens are significantly harder, already trained on frozen foods, and far more adaptable than wild-caught seahorses, making them an excellent choice for dedicated aquarists seeking these unique animals.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Hippocampus erectus
• Common Names: Lined Seahorse, Northern Seahorse, Atlantic Seahorse
• Adult Size: Up to 6-7 inches (height)
• Lifespan: 3-5 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; gentle and slow-moving
• Reef Compatibility: Reef caution; will not harm corals but requires specialized conditions
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum for pair; 40+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires specialized care and dedication

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires species-specific or seahorse-only tank with gentle water flow. Provide numerous hitching posts: gorgonians, macroalgae (Caulerpa), artificial decorations, PVC pipes. Include smooth-surfaced decorations at various heights. Avoid aggressive water flow or powerheads. Subdued lighting preferred. No anemones or stinging corals.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 68-74°F (20-23°C) – cooler water species
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Pristine, stable water quality absolutely essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Gentle filtration (sponge filter or low-flow canister)
• Protein skimmer (gentle, not aggressive)
• Minimal water circulation (gentle flow only)
• Chiller recommended (prefers cooler temperatures)
• Species-specific tank strongly recommended

Seahorses require calm, gentle conditions unlike typical reef systems.

Diet & Feeding

Lined Seahorses are carnivores requiring frequent feeding of enriched foods.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp (enriched with vitamins) – staple diet
• Variety: Frozen cyclops, frozen brine shrimp (enriched), chopped krill
• Live Foods: Live mysis shrimp, live brine shrimp (captive-bred accept frozen)
• Enrichment: Soak all foods in vitamin supplements before feeding
• Critical: Food must be small enough to fit in tubular snout

Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily minimum; constant feeding availability ideal

Special Note: Captive-bred advantage: Already trained to accept frozen foods (wild seahorses often refuse frozen). Must be target-fed; cannot compete with fast-moving fish. Enrich all foods with vitamins. Require substantial food quantities despite small size.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: ONLY with other seahorses or extremely peaceful, slow-moving fish
• Peaceful Nature: Completely non-aggressive; cannot compete with typical fish
• Pairs: Form monogamous pairs; best kept in pairs or small groups
• Species-Only Tank: Strongly recommended for success
• Incompatible: All aggressive fish, fast swimmers, most typical marine fish

Notes & Considerations

• Captive-bred advantages: Hardy, disease-resistant, trained on frozen foods, sustainable.
• Variable coloration: brown, tan, yellow, orange, red, black, or combinations.
• Can change color over time to match surroundings (chromatophores).
• Distinctive vertical lines along the body (may be subtle depending on color morph).
• Males have prominent brood pouches on their abdomen; females lack pouches.
• Males carry and birth babies: Fascinating reproductive behavior.
• Form strong monogamous pair bonds; pairs should not be separated.
• Native to Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Argentina.
• Prefers cooler water: Chiller recommended for optimal health (68-74°F).
• Higher temperatures (75°F+) cause stress and shortened lifespan.
• Extremely slow swimmers; use prehensile tails to anchor to objects.
• Constantly grasp hitching posts with tails; need numerous anchor points.
• Feed by creating suction with tubular snout; can only consume small prey.
• Must be target-fed; cannot compete with any fast-moving fish for food.
• CANNOT be kept with typical marine fish – will starve and stress.
• Suitable tankmates are extremely limited: pipefish, mandarins (with caution), very peaceful gobies.
• Species-only tanks are strongly recommended for best success.
• Require pristine water quality; very sensitive to nitrates and poor conditions.
• Susceptible to bacterial infections if water quality degrades.
• Prone to gas bubble disease if oxygen levels are too high.
• Sensitive to medications; copper is toxic; use seahorse-safe treatments only.
• Require frequent feeding; cannot go extended periods without food.
• Weekly vitamin supplementation essential for long-term health.
• Very sensitive to sudden parameter changes; stability critical.
• Can suffer from stress-related issues if conditions are not ideal.
• Fascinating behavior: males give birth, pairs “dance” during courtship.
• Morning greeting ritual between paired seahorses (daily courtship dance).
• Males become pregnant; gestation approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Can produce dozens to hundreds of babies (fry) per brood.
• Captive breeding is possible but raising fry is extremely challenging.
• Long-term commitment requires dedication and specialized knowledge.
• Not suitable for beginners or standard community reef tanks.
• Requires species-specific setup and husbandry knowledge.

Why Choose a Quarantined Lined Seahorse (Captive Bred)?

Purchasing a quarantined captive-bred specimen from us means you’re starting with the healthiest possible seahorse. Captive-bred seahorses are exponentially hardier than wild-caught, already accepting frozen foods, and adapted to aquarium life. Our quarantine process further ensures optimal health, confirms feeding on enriched frozen foods, and provides acclimation to stable conditions. Captive breeding also supports sustainability and conservation. This provides the absolute strongest foundation for success with these delicate, specialized animals.