Pacific Seahorse
Hippocampus ingens
Identification: Measuring up to a foot tall, Pacific seahorses are among the giants of the seahorse world. They’re also the only seahorse to live along the Pacific coast of the Americas. They are closely related to H. reidi and are often confused with them. Distinguishing characteristics are a larger, bulkier, taller, tilted-back coronet, more tail rings (35 on H. reidi vs. 39 on H. ingens), and more prominent cheek spines. This species sports spectacular variations in coloration and markings, which can also confuse identification attempts.
Behavior: They live among thickets of coral and gorgonians along the seafloor.
Maximum Length: The Pacific Seahorse is one of the largest species known, ranging from 8" to 12" in length.
Origin: West coast of the Americas from San Diego, California to Peru
Minimum tank size: 20 Gallon
Feeding and diet: Frozen, enriched Mysis shrimp, copepods, Hawaiian Red Shrimp.
Availability: Common
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