Having a fish tank or aquarium is a great way to add flair and ambiance to your home. Especially when it’s filled with amazing species of exotic aquatic life. It’s for this reason that many people are interested in the prospect of having seahorses as pets.
Seahorses are beautiful creatures, but like any other pet, they have their own specific set of wants and needs. Before you take the plunge of purchasing a seahorse, it’s important that you have the necessary knowledge and wherewithal to keep it healthy and happy.
Read on to find out the pros and cons associated with having a pet seahorse, and whether it’s something that’s a good option for you.
Con: They Require a Specialized Tank Set-Up
If you were thinking you might be able to simply add a seahorse to your already existing aquarium, you’ll need to think again. Seahorses actually require a special type of tank set-up, the conditions of which are quite different than most other aquariums.
The optimal seahorse tank doesn’t need to be very large but requires a good filter that ensures water flow is kept to a minimum and air bubbles are eliminated as much as possible, as sea horses are poor swimmers. You’ll need to use a quality saltwater mix and a bio-active substrate for the water. It’s necessary to have plants such as seaweed (real or fake) for the seahorses to cling on to when they rest.
Pro: They’re Amazing Creatures To Look at and Observe
Seahorses are one of the few types of fish that swim upright rather than horizontally. Recognizable by their large, horse-shaped heads and scaleless bodies, they come in beautiful shades of dark shades of green, yellow, grey, and black.
The way they move is mesmerizing and their appearance is among the most striking of any aquatic creature. For someone who has an appreciation for aquatic life, the extra care involved in a pet seahorse is worth it due to their unusual and intriguing mannerisms and appearance.
Con: Feeding Time Can Be Time Consuming
Seahorses are natural predators, and as such, they far prefer live food to pellets or flakes. Due to their natural feeding habits, it’s necessary to feed them small portions regularly throughout the day. They feed on small crustaceans such as copepods and brine shrimp.
Pro: They’re Otherwise Easy To Keep
Once their basic needs as outlined above have been met, sea horses are wonderful creatures to take care of. They’re easy to keep and if you want, relatively easy to breed as well.
Seahorses as Pets: Could They Be for You?
It definitely takes a certain amount of effort, care, and attention to keep seahorses as pets, but normally those who do find it an on the whole rewarding and positive experience. If you can make sure you have time to dedicate and love to give, and you’ll make a perfect seahorse owner.
If you’ve found this particular pet guide interesting, why not take a look at the rest of my animal content?
