H. Ingens

[smazzuca_34]

Hello,
I will be setting up my aquarium in the new year, hopefully earlier than later. Before I actually make the aquarium I wanted to inquire about the H. Ingens. If I make my aquarium 24x24x36 which is 90 gallons will that suit them? Are the difficult to keep compared to other species? How readily available are they? Thank you for all your great advice!

 

[hydroid]

Assuming the 36 is the height, I would think that would accomodate a pair. I saw some at Scripps aquarium a while back ... they get BIG, so I wouldn't go any smaller.

I have never raised them, so can't comment on difficulty to keep.

Have seen them available from time to time in the states, but don't know about Canada. You should check on availablity more before you get your heart set on them ... though that tank would accomodate most species (maybe not pots).

HTH

 

[smazzuca_34]

I have a cousin in Buffalo who I could pick them up from!

 

[hydroid]

Not sure what the penalty is for smuggling protected animals into Canada, but it would be good information to know before you try.

 

[smazzuca_34]

"In general, importations of ornamental aquatic organisms, especially tropical species held in hobby aquaria, are considered to pose a negligible risk of spreading disease(s) to local species. Thus, Canada, like many other countries, does not require special permits for the importation of aquatic organisms for the aquarium hobbyist."

 

[aquasena1]

We had ingens that were captive raised and doing well until we added some erectus that we bought from Ocean Rider. The ingens all died within a week, but the erectus thrived. I later learned that this seemed to be a common problem with ingens. Seemingly they are very suspectible to some sort of bug that other seahorses carry without symptoms. We now only add Ocean Rider seahorses to our system. Adding fish and inverts has not been a problem.

 

[CarlC]

Considering all seahorse's are listed under CITES you will have a problem if caught.

Carl

 

[ann83]

Ingens are one of the most delicate seahorses. You will be better off starting with a different species. H. erectus is a very hardy species and a good seahorse for someone just starting up with seahorses. They are tropical and can tolerate temperatures up to 74 degrees F, 23 degrees C. They are easy to get to eat frozen foods, readily available captive bred, and the fry of the southern variety are easier to raise than many other available species.