Reply To: Any seahorse that thrives in tropical water?

Dear Jack:

Yes, sir, there is one seahorse species raised at Ocean Rider that fits your description. It is Hippocampus barbouri, a tropical reef specialist from the Western Pacific Ocean that prefers warmer water than other seahorses and will do well at a water temperature of 78°F-80°F.

I will attach a document to this email that explains all about Hippocampus barbouri and the type of environment that the seahorses thrive in so that you can download the document, save it on your computer, and then read through the information at your leisure.

As for longevity, Jack, seahorses can be quite long-lived when cared for properly. For example, in my experience, cultured seahorses such as Ocean Rider Mustangs and Sunbursts (Hippocampus erectus) have a life expectancy of 8-10 years in captivity, it provided with good care, but a life span of 3-5 years is more typical in the home aquarium. (I personally know of one old war horse raised by a colleague of mine that reached the ripe old age of 7 years and 3 months.) At the Ocean Rider facility, I believe some of their original broodstock are older still (10+ years old), but of course the ideal conditions seahorse farm (vast enclosures, natural seawater that is continually flowing through their habitats, and natural sunlight) are far different from the small, closed-system aquaria and artificial saltwater we hobbyists must rely on.
 
Interestingly, if provided with optimal water quality, a nutritious diet, and favorable conditions, Mr. Goldstein, the old warhorses will often continue to breed successfully despite their age.  Many times pairs produce their biggest broods between the ages of 3-5 years old.  Their frequency of breeding may go down, however, and they may produce fewer broods each season as they age.

Best wishes with all your fishes, Jack! Please let me know if I can be of any further service.

Happy Trails!
Pete Giwojna, Ocean Rider Tech Support