All fish / Syngnathidae

Zebra seahorse

Hippocampus zebra

Also known as zebra seahorse, zebra-striped seahorse, striped seahorse, ゼブラシーホース, 斑马海马

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This small seahorse has a striking pattern of bold dark and pale bands running across its body and snout, which makes it one of the most distinctive members of its genus. It lives in fairly deep water over sponge and soft coral areas off northern Queensland, so it is rarely collected and is mainly kept by specialist seahorse keepers who prize its looks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a species-only tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, amphipods and copepods, fed several times a day

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Northeastern Australia: northern Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, Queensland

Breeding

Like other seahorses, the female places her eggs in the male's brood pouch, where he fertilises and carries them until he releases fully formed young. Captive breeding of this species is very rarely reported, and raising the tiny fry needs a steady supply of live foods such as copepods and rotifers.

Good to know

All Hippocampus species are listed on CITES Appendix II and Australian export is tightly controlled, so check paperwork and legality before buying. Keep it only with calm, slow tankmates and avoid stinging corals, strong currents and fish that compete for food.