Found this guy yesterday

[Octoberfest]

I found this seahorse the other day in the ocean. I only had it out for a couple of hours then put it back as I don't know anything about their care and didn't want to risk it.

What's the white'ish gray stuff on its body?

 

[LisaD]

those are normal markings. not all seahorses have them, but many do.

 

[Octoberfest]

What kind of seahorse is it?

 

[mrme]

looks like a very colorful H. Erectus, possibly a Reidi ?

 

[philter4]

It is probably reidi, that is the most common along the coast, and erectus usually has lines radiating from the eyes, even in very colorful individuals (here in south FL the common name for erectus is lined seahorse because of these lines). It does however look young, and doesn't have the typical long snout of the adult reidi, that is why I say probably.

Great catch, it is a beautiful young male, and if you don't think you can care for it that was great restraint in releasing it.

 

[Octoberfest]

Thanks for the info everyone.

Yeah I figured if I caught one I can catch another one so there is no sense in risking this guys life while i try to research what is required.

 

[philter4]

Sorry guys, I lied, it's a FEMALE, no pouch. I knew that when I posted, just no fact check.

 

[pledosophy]

Be careful about taking things out of the ocean and putting them in your tank, then putting them back in the ocean. If your not careful and don't really know what your doing you could cause some great problems doing so. Exchanges of foreign bacteria's, introducing new things to an ecosystem, etc, can all be very bad long term.

Just wanting to add a warning for others who might think this is a good idea.

 

[Octoberfest]

The tank that we put them in was a local only tank, everything in it from sand to water to algae was local. This spring I'll be setting up a tank with just local critters.

 

[vipjd39]

where exactly did you catch her. Absolutely beautiful. how deep were you?

 

[Octoberfest]

Found her in the eel grass in less than 12" of water

 

[pledosophy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13621973#post13621973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Octoberfest
The tank that we put them in was a local only tank, everything in it from sand to water to algae was local. This spring I'll be setting up a tank with just local critters.

Good to hear. Make sure the food is all local too.

So nice to keep a piece of your backyard in your home . Don't mind me I'm just jealous.

 

[ranger07]

Heck catch & send me some....

 

[Octoberfest]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13740468#post13740468 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ranger07
Heck catch & send me some....

That part might get me in trouble ... Honestly I don't know if it would or not.

 

[philter4]

There are no rules concerning collecting and sending fish unless the intent is to sell. For that you need a special license. If you want to collect for yourself and send the fish to friends all you need to find out is the local laws reguarding collecting aquarium animals. Here in FL you just need a fishing license, but in CA for instance there is no transporting of live fin fish without a permit which is hard to get and cost prohibitive for just some aquarium fish.

 

[Octoberfest]

Yeah I know what the laws are in North Carolina. Pretty much you can collect anything excpet for live rock and coral.