Seahorses
Hippocampus sp.
People have marvelled at seahorses for centuries. With their curious body shape, horse-like faces, prehensile tails and the unique ability of the males to become pregnant, they are quite different from your typical fish.
Seahorses (Hippocampus) are part of the family Sygnathidae along with pipefishes (Sygnathinae). Populations of wild seahorses are seriously threatened. Traditional Chinese medicine has taken a heavy toll on world-wide populations by using millions of dried seahorses annualy for various "healing" products. Dried seahorses are also used as decorations throughout the world as everything from Christmas ornaments to paper weights.
Fortunately, wild collection for the aquarium trade has been curtailled and most specimens are now captive bred. Wild caught seahorses have a high mortality rate due to poor collection and transportation practices and should be avoided. Wild caught specimens are also prone to various ailments and pathogens, once their immune system is comprimised due to stress.
It is well worth the time and money to acquire captive bred seahorses from a reputable dealer such as
www.SeahorseSource.com Captive bred seahorses are not exposed to the stress of being collected from the wild and shipped around the world. They are also healthy and free of parasites and other pathogens.
Another major advantage of captive bred specimens is that they will readily accept frozen foods.