My seahorse is growing algae

[FishyMel]

Talk about freaking me out. I thought Cocopuff had peeling skin but now I can see that it is algae growing on his back. Is this common for seahorses. Do you do anything or just leave it alone. He has too kinds. One is pale and kind of powdery. It is also on my rocks. The other actually has sprouts which is quite amusing.

 

[MSAreef]

Algae growth on a seahorse is normal. I would leave it alone if you are sure that's what you are seeing.

 

[pledosophy]

It bugs you more then the seahorses.

In the wild it is not uncommon to see seahorses with significant algae growth.

If it is really bothersome to you then you can remove it with a soft bristled toothbrush.

There is really not much cause for concern unless the seahorses are housed with certain algae eaters who will tryo to eat the algae off the seahorse, which can cause injury.

JME

 

[buffalobunch]

I can't stand how it looks on my ponies!! I use a turkey baster and lightly blow it off of them.

 

[FishyMel]

For now, I am going to leave it alone. Cocopuff doesn't seem to mind her decorations. I am actually relieved to have discovered that it is algae. At first I thought her skin was peeling and that she had the dreaded vibrio, only to find that after it peeled away there was healthy seahorse skin underneath. That is when a friend of mine who keeps seahorses suggested I check to see if it was algae and that is what it turned out to be. Shew!

 

[crzy4saltH2O]

Just curious what is the dreaded vibrio?
Until this site we haven't found much info on seahorses...

 

[cmsargent]

It a type of bacteria that lives in saltwater and can infect fish. Seahorses seem to be especially prone to getting it.

It often started as skin lesions or infects a cut or scratch. That's why skin peeling and discoloring is a worry. Its often the first sign of the disease. It can be treated if caught early but it is often lethal. The more virulent strains can kill a seahorse within a day or two. This is probably the most common cause of death for captive seahorses.

FYI its also why we recommend you keep your tank temps at or below 74 degrees. Vibrio grows best in warmer temps so if you keep the temps down if will help prevent vibrio.

 

[crzy4saltH2O]

Thank you for the info cmsargent