All fish / Syngnathidae

Barbour's seahorse

Hippocampus barbouri

Also known as barbour's seahorse, barbouri seahorse, spiny seahorse, zebra-snout seahorse, barbouri, ม้าน้ำ, kuda laut, タツノオトシゴ, 巴氏海马

Barbour's seahorse is a spiny species, usually pale yellow to tan with fine reddish brown stripes running down the snout and dark spots on the body. Keepers prize it for its striking spines, its gentle character and the fact that captive-bred fish are now quite widely available.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a tall tank

Diet

Carnivore: frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp and small live crustaceans, fed two or three times a day

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia (Sabah)

Breeding

The female passes her eggs to the male, who carries them in a brood pouch for about two weeks before releasing tiny live young. Pairs breed readily in captivity, but rearing the fry is demanding because they need live food such as rotifers and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Every Hippocampus species is listed on CITES Appendix II and the species is assessed as Vulnerable, so buy captive-bred stock with proper paperwork. Keep it away from fast, boisterous or stinging tankmates and strong currents, and give it plenty of hitching posts.