Seahorse Club
Aquarium & Livestock

Feed Ezy Frozen Mysis

Seahorse Club
Aquarium & Livestock

Feed Ezy Frozen Mysis

Seahorse Club
Aquarium & Livestock

Feed Ezy Frozen Mysis

Seahorse Club
Aquarium & Livestock

Feed Ezy Frozen Mysis

Seahorse Club
Aquarium & Livestock

Feed Ezy Frozen Mysis

Seahorse Club
Aquarium & Livestock

Feed Ezy Frozen Mysis

algea on seahorse

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #1107
    ageber
    Member

    i know i have seen this topic before but need some help. I have a beautiful yellow sunburst who has developed some algea growing on her. How do i get rid of it. she is very active and eats well. what cuases it and can i get rid of this forever. help please

    #3376
    Kris
    Guest

    ageber,

    It’s not uncommon for SH to get algae on them. In most cases it won’t bother them, in the wild it may help to camoflauge.

    The remove, I use a soft brush(paint brush, basting brush), and gently sweep it off.

    Aglae, comes from nitrates, nitrites and excessive nuitients in the water. Water changes may help to keep the levels down and the algae off your Horses.

    HTH
    Kris

    #3378
    Pete Giwojna
    Guest

    Dear ageber:

    Yes, sir, algae often grows on the exoskeleton of seahorses, typically on their head and neck which are closest to the light source. That’s perfectly normal and nothing at all to be concerned about. In fact, as Kris pointed out, seahorses often encourage algae to grow on them as a protective device to enhance their camouflage, and it’s often best simply to ignore any such growth.

    If you find the algae growth to be unsightly, you can certainly brush it off as Kris described. Just be very careful when you are handling the seahorse and gently brushing away the algae so that you don’t remove any of the seahorse’s protective slime coat if you can possibly avoid it.

    The seahorse’s pliant skin or integument is of course its first line of defense against disease. It contains mucus glands, and the slime covering the skin acts as a barrier to ectoparasites and infection. The protective slime can contain antibodies and antibacterial substances, and excessive mucus production is often the first sign of an infection or parasite problem. On the other hand, healthy seahorses often have small bright dots on their heads and torsos, which are actually mucus deposits. These beads of mucus glisten like little diamonds and are a sign of vibrant good health. When handling a seahorse, it’s important to wet your hands first in order to avoid removing too much of the protective slime coat.

    Marine fish are always in danger of dehydration because the seawater they live in is saltier than their blood and internal body fluids. As a result, they are constantly losing water by diffusion (osmosis) through their gills and the surface of their skin, as well as in their urine. The mucus layer acts as a barrier against this, waterproofing the skin and reducing the amount of water that can diffuse across its surface.

    So feel free to very gently brush away the algae as long as you take the necessary precautions and don’t disturb your Sunburst’s protective slime coat any more than necessary, but you should be aware that the algae is very likely to quickly regrow if you don’t also address the conditions that are promoting the algae growth. Excess nutrients (especially nitrates and phosphates) fuel the growth of nuisance algae, so if you want to get rid of the algae growth on your seahorse once and for all, you should concentrate on reducing the nutrient loading in your aquarium and perhaps cut back on the photoperiod so the algae has less light for photosynthesis.

    If you search this forum for the phrases "hair algae" or "slime algae" or "nuisance algae," you will find lots of detailed information and suggestions explaining how to get your nitrates and excess nutrients under control, which should be very helpful in preventing the recurrence of the algae growth on your seahorses.

    Best wishes with all your fishes, ageber!

    Happy Trails!
    Pete Giwojna

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

America's Only Seahorse Aqua-Farm and One of Hawaii's Most Popular Attractions

Ocean Rider seahorse farm is a consistent Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award Winner and "Top 10 Things To Do" Kona, Hawaii attraction. Our "Magical Seahorse Tours" are educational and fun for the whole family.

Tour tickets are available for Purchase On-Line. Space is limited and subject to availability.

small seahorse Ocean Rider, Inc. is an Organic Hawaiian-Based Seahorse Aqua-Farm & Aquarium that Follows Strict Good Farming Practices in Raising Seahorses and Other Aquatic Life.

Seahorse Hawaii Foundation

Inspiring ocean awareness by saving the endangered seahorse and sea dragons around the world from extinction through conservation, research, propagation, and education.

Help us save the seahorse and the coral reefs they live in with a tax deductible contribution to the Seahorse Hawaii Foundation. You will be helping to protect and propagate over 25 species of endangered seahorses, sea dragons and friends.

Make A Tax-Deductible Donation Today!

A Different Kind of Farm (Video) »

Ocean Rider Kona Hawaii

Ocean Rider Kona Hawaii
Seahorse Aqua-Farm & Tours

73-4388 Ilikai Place

Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740

Map & Directions


808-329-6840

Contact Ocean Rider


Copyright ©1999-2023
All Rights Reserved | Ocean Rider Inc.

My Online Order Details

Purchase Policy

Site Terms and Conditions