Do seahorses breed better in groups?

[babyhead]

I was considering buying a mated pair of hippo Erectus. Will they likely breed/continue breeding if they are the only horses in an appropriately sized tank and set-up, or do additional horses/pairs present increase the chances of breeding behavior?

 

[luvabunny]

IME, they breed better as pairs only. A trio or more sometimes tends to disrupt the mating dance.

 

[BruceW]

Unfortunately a mated pair is usually just any male and female. They are really only a mated pair if they have pair bonded or successfully bred. Having only two will not mean that they will breed in your tank. They might and they might not.

Although having three would make one the odd man or woman out they still will pair off and breed. If you could get a proven pair I would say go for it. Most often with good care almost any pair may breed but there are occasions where some pairs are just not interested in each other.

As a seahorse breeder I have found that I have gotten the best results from keeping them in large groups, with more females then males.

Bruce

 

[Big Ying]

Yes, I was interested in getting a mated pair of Hippo Erectus from Ocean Rider. Does anyone know if they send true mated pairs, or just a male and a female? Maybe I should get the pair, plus one extra female. There should be room. Itwill be a 30 gallon Tall.