West Australian Seahorse
Hippocampus subelongatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The West Australian Seahorse (Hippocampus subelongatus) is a prehensile-tail seahorse that spends much of its time anchored to rockwork, macroalgae, or other “hitching” surfaces while it watches for passing food. It’s native to south-western Australia and is often found around structure like rocky edges and pilings, where it can hold on and feed in calmer pockets.
What You’ll Observe:
- Perching and repositioning throughout the day, often rotating between favorite hitching spots
- A deliberate “hunt and snick” feeding style, striking at individual pieces of food as they drift by
- Pair-oriented behavior, including staying in the same area and interacting around the same perches
- Recognizing a consistent feeding routine and coming out quickly when food is offered
Provide a taller aquarium with multiple hitching posts (branching décor, gorgonians, or macroalgae) and areas of gentle, indirect flow. Offer small meaty foods like thawed mysis in small portions multiple times per day, using a baster or feeding spot to keep meals controlled and easy to track.
Can seahorses be trained to eat from a feeding dish or station?
Many keepers report they can learn a consistent feeding location over time, especially when meals are offered calmly and on a schedule.
What counts as a good “hitching post” in a home aquarium?
Common choices include gorgonian-style branches, macroalgae, and sturdy artificial perches that let the tail wrap securely without sharp edges.
Should I thaw frozen mysis in tap water or saltwater?
A common approach is thawing with tank water so the mysis sinks more naturally, then rinsing to reduce fine particles before feeding.
Do seahorses prefer high flow like many reef tanks?
They’re often kept with gentler, more controlled flow patterns, and hobbyists frequently focus on creating calm zones where the seahorse can feed without food blasting past.
Is it normal for them to “hang out” for long periods without roaming the tank?
Yes—extended perching is a typical day-to-day pattern, with short moves between holdfasts when they switch vantage points or investigate food.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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