{"product_id":"hippocampus-erectus-l","title":"Hippocampus erectus Seahorse (L) | Hippocampus erectus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the lined seahorse or erectus seahorse, is one of the most popular seahorse species in the marine aquarium hobby. This large size specimen is best suited to experienced keepers with a dedicated seahorse system, as it requires stable water conditions, low flow, and careful feeding. With its upright posture, prehensile tail, and fascinating hunting behaviour, it is a truly captivating fish to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeahorses are not typical community fish. They are slow-moving, deliberate feeders that do best in peaceful aquariums with plenty of hitching points and minimal competition. When cared for correctly, \u003cem\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/em\u003e can become a long-lived and rewarding marine species. At Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy livestock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping you add specialist species with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a CITES Appendix II listed species, this seahorse should be purchased and kept responsibly, with attention to legal sourcing and appropriate husbandry. It is an excellent choice for aquarists who are ready to provide a stable, well-planned marine environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLined seahorse \/ erectus seahorse\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpert\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 17 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 litres for a pair; larger for groups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–24°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine reef conditions, stable specific gravity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLive and frozen meaty foods, especially enriched mysis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/em\u003e is native to the western Atlantic, including areas such as the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the eastern coast of the Americas. In the wild, it inhabits seagrass beds, mangrove edges, floating vegetation, and sheltered coastal areas where currents are gentle and there are plenty of structures to hold onto.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis natural lifestyle explains much of its aquarium care. Seahorses rely on their tails to anchor themselves to plants, corals, or artificial hitching posts while they wait to ambush small prey. They are not built for fast swimming or strong flow, so a calm environment is essential. Their slow, methodical movement and specialised feeding style make them one of the most distinctive marine fish available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause their habitat is often shallow and structurally complex, a seahorse aquarium should prioritise stability, gentle water movement, and plenty of vertical space. A well-designed setup helps reduce stress and supports natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA dedicated seahorse aquarium is strongly recommended. Choose a tank with a good footprint and enough height for hitching and courtship behaviour. A mature marine system with excellent filtration and stable parameters is far more important than strong circulation. Use gentle flow, ideally from a diffuser or broad outlet, and avoid powerheads that create direct jets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide multiple hitching points such as macroalgae, seahorse-safe artificial corals, branching decorations, and purpose-made hitching posts. Live rock can be used, but ensure there are no sharp edges or trapping hazards. Keep the aquascape open enough for easy feeding and observation, while still offering secure resting areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater quality must be pristine. Seahorses are sensitive to poor conditions and sudden changes, so regular maintenance is essential. Keep nitrate as low as practical, maintain strong biological filtration, and avoid overfeeding. A protein skimmer can be very helpful in a marine seahorse system, as can a covered tank to prevent escape and reduce evaporation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e temperature 22–24°C, pH 8.1–8.4, and stable marine salinity. Avoid high temperatures, as warm water can reduce oxygen levels and increase stress. Seahorses generally do best in cooler marine setups than many reef fish, and they should not be kept with aggressive corals or stinging species that may injure them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTank mates should be chosen with extreme care. Any fish that outcompete them for food, nip at their fins, or create too much activity should be avoided. In many cases, a species-only tank is the safest and most successful option.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/em\u003e is a specialised feeder that usually prefers meaty foods offered slowly and deliberately. In captivity, the best staple diet is typically enriched frozen mysis shrimp, though some individuals may initially require live foods while they settle in. Feed small amounts multiple times per day rather than one large feeding, as seahorses have relatively simple digestive systems and benefit from regular meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a feeding station or target feeding method to help ensure each seahorse gets enough food. This reduces waste, improves intake, and prevents faster tank mates from stealing meals. Enrichment with vitamins and marine supplements can support long-term health, especially for newly acquired specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatch body condition closely. A healthy seahorse should have a rounded, well-filled body without visible pinching behind the head or along the trunk. If the animal is thin, slow to feed, or refusing food, check water quality immediately and review feeding technique. Consistent nutrition is one of the most important parts of successful seahorse keeping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatibility is one of the biggest challenges with seahorses. The best tank mates are calm, non-competitive, and unable to outcompete them at feeding time. Suitable companions may include very peaceful marine invertebrates and, in some carefully planned systems, other gentle species that share similar water requirements and temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid boisterous fish, territorial species, fast feeders, and anything known to nip fins or harass slow-moving livestock. Seahorses should never be housed with aggressive wrasses, triggers, puffers, lionfish, large angelfish, or active schooling fish that will dominate the tank. Even seemingly harmless species can cause stress if they are too quick or food-driven.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the best results, keep \u003cem\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/em\u003e in a dedicated seahorse aquarium or a very carefully selected peaceful marine display. If you are unsure, species-only is the safest route and usually leads to better feeding success and lower stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we understand that specialist marine livestock needs specialist care. Our \u003cstrong\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/strong\u003e seahorses are selected with quality and welfare in mind, and we pack orders carefully to support a smooth journey to your home. With our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e service and \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, you can order with added peace of mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also aim to provide clear, practical husbandry information so you can prepare the right aquarium before your seahorse arrives. Whether you are building your first dedicated seahorse system or adding to an established marine setup, we are here to help you choose responsibly and keep successfully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor aquarists ready for a rewarding specialist species, \u003cem\u003eHippocampus erectus\u003c\/em\u003e offers unmatched character, elegance, and natural behaviour. With the right setup and consistent care, it can become a true centrepiece of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446816874831,"sku":"M941","price":87.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/hippocampus-erectus-l-hero-driftwood-m941.webp?v=1777556251","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/hippocampus-erectus-l","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}