Hippocampus ingens - T.B.

Hippocampus ingens, commonly known as the Giant seahorse, is one of the largest seahorses. Their basic colour is very variable and ranges from pale yellow to orange to red to dark brown. The most characteristic feature about these fishes is that most individuals are covered in small spots and patches. Because they're quite variable this is less pronounced in some specimens. Males also have a brood pouch when mature, in which they carry the fry. 

H. ingens can be found in offshore waters, often hiding in gorgonians and black coral trees. They're a subtropical species so can't handle constant high temperatures. Because seahorses don't have a stomach they need to eat the entire day. Baby seahorses have been observed to eat over 3000 pieces a day and adults usually eat 30-50 times a day. This also makes up the biggest challenge in keeping seahorses, you need to make sure they can eat all day. And because they usually only eat live or frozen food, this is hard to automate.

Besides their constant need for food, their swimming ability also needs to be kept in mind. Seahorses can handle quit some flow, but they lack stamina, so they do need zones with little flow and something to hold on to, so they can rest. Also try to prevent strong stinging corals like Euphyllia and some other LPS and anemones. Most soft corals and SPS are fine though. The other way around, because seahorses hold on to the corals they sometimes can irritate/damage the corals, especially if they always grab on to the same spot. Keep all this in mind when setting up a seahorse aquarium and they'll be the stars of the aquarium!

This fish is Tank Bred and will adapt to your aquarium easier compared to a wild caught specimen!