Pigmy Seahorse Breeding

[Dean]

I came across this interesting article on Advanced Aquarist today and thought I would share.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/steinharts-baby-pygmy-seahorses-are-growing-up-so-fast



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E91lsTf9rlA&feature=player_embedded

[leliataylor]

This species has proven very difficult to keep, let alone raise. Not only are they extremely tiny, they also only reside on one species of coral (I will provide more info on this in the morning when I am awake). The people that are working with this species spent over 3 years propagating the coral the adults require to survive prior to obtaining the permits to collect adult specimens. All prior attempts to keep H. bargibanti have failed. This feat was accomplished by the folks from the Steinhart Aquarium.

[leliataylor]

Here is a link to another article on this. http://www.wired.com/2014/06/pygmy-sea-horse-cuteness/#slide-id-1106141

The latest Coral Magazine also has a article on this subject.

[kkiel02]

Very cool. They are soooo tiny.

[Dean]

Here is a link to another article on this. http://www.wired.com/2014/06/pygmy-sea-horse-cuteness/#slide-id-1106141

The latest Coral Magazine also has a article on this subject.

Those biologists went to great lengths to make that happen. Very interesting article.

[leliataylor]

Yes they did. My only hope is that they will be able to raise some of the fry to adulthood to begin establish a CB population. The general consensus seems to be they have a symbiotic relationship with their gorgs and this accounts for prior failures in terms of keeping them alive.

[Dean]

Yes they did. My only hope is that they will be able to raise some of the fry to adulthood to begin establish a CB population. The general consensus seems to be they have a symbiotic relationship with their gorgs and this accounts for prior failures in terms of keeping them alive.
A captive bread population would benefit the species greatly but I would hate to see them release any to be sold to the general public. They are obviously extremely difficult to care for and the vast majority would have short lives.

[leliataylor]

You are so right. Seahorses are not delicate, however they have special needs which varies by species. It is unlikely any of these seahorse will make it into the retail market anytime in the next few years.