Anyone keep these seahorses??

[FishGuy5]

Interested in getting a trio for a 39 gallon Cadlight set-up. What do you think?

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=747+871+2419&pcatid=2419


Thx for the help!

 

[mtc1966]

kuda is a nice seahorse but notice they call them tank bred not captive bred. i would look for another source.

 

[rayjay]

You get what you pay for.
The only recommended Sri Lankan breeder was Aquamarine International that breeds true captive bred reidi and comes but lately their quality has been lacking and sizes are much smaller than they used to be.
These kuda come from another source and what they are being retailed for is less than true captive bred are wholesaled for.

 

[mtc1966]

Rayjay any guess as to what the mean by tank bred in a indoor facility ?

i picture some sort of structure built out above the shoreline with dividers put into the ocean water to do their breading.

 

[Walkytalky]

I would recommending seahorse.org (mo)

 

[rayjay]

Well, Aquamarine International breeds seahorses indoors in aquariums, but they haven't been breeding kudas.
In the picture on liveaquaria's site, the stripped seahorse on the right certainly appears to be H. comes but the one on the left could be kuda or one of the types getting shipped as kuda.
If they really are estuary seahorses, then they won't look like the picture on the right.
Kuda is a catch all name that wholesalers/transhippers apply to many different seahorses. I think it makes it easier for them to get through customs and Cites.
I'd never buy a seahorse at 1/2 to 2 inches (their small size) and I'd be willing to be you won't find many, if any, at or near the 4 inch mark they claim the mediums can be up to (2" to 4").

 

[kichikoi]

And, If you research SH's...you'll see that the darker one in the picture looks more like an H. Comes. Which is what I got from a LFS here in town. Labeled as H. Kelloggi. When I contacted Petco online I never received much of a response. Only, we'll look into it!
I think if you do order from this place it'll be more like a potluck...Who know's for sure what you'll get or if they'll survive to adulthood.... I think they ship this size on purpose...so you can't tell exactly what species they are.

 

[SeaSiren]

Hi Fishguy!

Thought I would chime in here I keep and breed clownfish but, also keep seahorses of all varieties. From the picture on your link the one on the left is a H. Kuda but, again wording is everything. You definetly without a doubt want Captive bred seahorses it makes a world!!! of difference and alot less heartache! The one on the right is H.Comes or Tiger tail as I have one myself. He looks just like that guy except he is beginning to develop some yellow now that he is getting older. If you want Captive Bred seahorses i would reccomend Dan and Abbie at www.seahorsesource.com that is where I purchaced my H. Kuda I have a trio and they are wonderful with awesome personalites they greet me each morning and parade in front of the glass. Dan and Abbie breed and raise all their seahorses I have also purchaced H. Erectus and now 11 H. Zostare dwarf seahorses. In total I have 24 seahorses with two more on the way. I also use another source but, only for other breeds not H. kuda. I have H. Redi CB and H. Barbouri CB and H. Erectus CB.

Take it from me it is the best way to go I have learned the hard way with much pain how hard it is to try and de-stress and help W.C. or Tank Raised seahorses adapt to aquarium life and not succum to illness. Its very difficult I have tried to aquire W.C to have as my breeding base but, it has been a touch and painful road. Captive Bred will be eating within one day of being acclimated if not the same day they arrive. My H. Comes male is my only W.C. seahorse that has survived for me and his mate died back in October. So try Seahorse Source they are out of Florida for Kuda. And there is also SouthWatch Seahorse Farm out of Florida as well for H. Redi or H.Erectus H. Barbouri and others. On their website you can see pictures of their breeding facility and Jon is great to talk with as a Marine Biologist he can answer any questions you may have. I have dealt with both companies at different times and both have been a huge success for me. Hope this helps you!

 

[CNoonan]

I've ordered these exact seahorses from live aquaria twice and each time they were very weak and frail looking seahorses. They didn't survive very long and I have bred & kept various species of seahorses for years. The erectus species available from their website was also not the best quality seahorse.

The seahorses that are sometimes available in divers den are usually very healthy and nice looking.. Seahorse Source is also a good place to purchase from.

 

[taijiguy]

Second for Seahorse Source. Their livestock always seems extremely healthy. Plus their customer service is top-notch. If you have any problems ever they're eager to help. I spoke with a guy there for close to an hour once when I was having some health issues with a one-year-old erectus I got from them. And really, all things considered, their prices are pretty good.