Seahorses as Pets

One look at seahorses, with a horse like head and a crocodile like body, will give you the impression that these are very interesting animals. In the recent years, there has been an increasing trend amongst aquarium hobbyists to keep seahorses as pets. If you're someone who loves to maintain aquariums, you can increase the beauty of your aquariums by keeping seahorses in them.

Can You Keep Seahorses as Pets?
Just few months ago, there was a news that the world's smallest seahorse species, the dwarf seahorse, found dominantly in the water off the Gulf Coast, has been facing threats of extinction due to the disastrous BP oil spills. It was said in the news that habitat of these amazing species was getting destroyed faster due to the oil spill. Earlier marine biologists had expressed concerns regarding extensive fishing of seahorses for medicinal and eating purposes as major causes of sudden decline in their population. It seems seahorses may be very soon included in the list of endangered species. I can't exactly say if you will get an opportunity to keep dwarf seahorses as pets as they're facing severe problems of extinction but in case you're happy keeping other species of seahorses, they are available. Keeping these amazing animals as pets is not prohibited but it is managed by international trade laws. In many countries, it is legal to keep captive bred seahorses, so you can easily get seahorses without much problem in your state or country. Inquire about seahorses in your nearest aquarium or pet shops.

How Much Does it Cost?
To buy seahorses, you need to spend at least USD40 to USD90 for captive bred seahorses. Many aquariums and pet shops fool consumers on the names of captive bred sea horses, even though the seahorses may not be captive. Hence, if you're buying from an authentic commercial shop, ensure they tell you the name of the species of seahorse. If the shop owner isn't aware about the species of the seahorse, it is highly likely that they're just faking it. It's best to buy such pets from an authentic source.

Proper Seahorse Care
Keeping seahorses is fun and addictive too but ensure that you're aware of proper seahorse care methods as these pets are very sensitive to environment and food. Seahorses are not fit for normal fish tank and so you have to get an aquarium designed that is specifically suited for them. It is advisable to purchase seahorses from reputed dealers because wild seahorses won't be able to survive in the captive condition and they may perish within few days or weeks. Buy seahorses from proper dealers.

Seahorses are suitable in glass aquariums and they thrive well in sea water. So the bottom-line is to buy sea water and you can get that at the same pet store from where you brought the aquarium. The filtration system in the aquarium for the seahorse must be adequate as improper filtration system can cause discomfort to seahorses. Proper filter is also necessary if you're planning to keep more than one seahorse in the aquarium.

Proper fluorescent light and plantation is important for seahorses to thrive in the aquarium. Plants in the aquarium help in maintaining a healthy environment. Light helps the seahorses to find food in the aquarium tank and it also helps in the growth of algae. The vital importance of algae in aquariums can't be neglected as they help in maintaining proper pH concentration of water which is quite necessary. Don't just plant anything you know is good for aquariums. Research properly and inquire at the pet store about some good options to consider.

When you're keeping seahorses as pets, ensure that you maintain a small aquarium that you can use for keeping seahorse food. Seahorses prefer to hunt their food and so avoid frozen foods. They would love to chase a tiny fish in the aquarium. Keep their food (brine, tiny fish) and store them in a small aquarium near the seahorse aquarium so that you can easily put seahorse food whenever required. Seahorses can easily live for 3 to 7 years. Hence, ensure that you take proper care of these pets and enjoy their presence around you.