Sea Horses

[FishManFrank]

Hey I was wondering if I could throw a sea horse in my 80 gallon reef tank... I've heard you have to keep them in a tank strictly for sea horse.

[reeferdude]

Seahorses are specialized eaters and will only accpet live food. There are a few exceptions but as a general rule. The problem with keeping them with other species is that they will have to compete for food and most likely loose out. They are very poor swimmers and usually wait for the food to swim in front of them. Here are a couple of links that will show you acceptable tank mates.

http://www.seahorsefarms.com/

http://www.aquacon.com/fishspecials.html

[cafetao]

80 gallons is pretty big for a seahorse, I'd look in to getting a 20 high or something in the thiry gallon range. Height is more important than length. Captive bred seahorses will accept frozen food and are generally more healthy than their wild caught brothers. They cost more but are well worth it. You can keep seahorses with other fish, but the list of possibles is very small, I'd recommend no other fish at all.

[FishManFrank]

Would I be able to put corals in the tank? I was planning on getting a second tank for either a nano reef or a aggresive but I think I have decided to get sea horses.

[cafetao]

Corals are ok, in fact I would get some gorgonia or oter branching type coral. The seahorses like to hook their tails to them, helps the seahorses to feel comfortable.

[Sandworm]

Agreed, Corals are ok, but I would stick with peaceful corals.. I wouldn't want to put a stinging coral in with one.. Unless it was a larger tank and they could stay clear of it. Honestly, I don't know how they survive in the wild.. hehe