Observations..

[Fishfreak218]

I have observed that seahorses in heavily planted tanks tend to be more colorful..has anyone else noticed this? Or is it just me?
Is this already a known thought?
-josh

 

[Fredfish]

Mine are black (very dark brown) with white spots all day long. Even when their tank was mostly full of algae. It probably depends on species among other things.

Fred

 

[itz frank]

I think i read somewhere that they will try to blend with their surrounding based on the species. But i'm no seahorse expert and i've been wrong before.

 

[ReefNutPA]

My Kuda are yellow....in a tank with black sand, live rock and two fake plants. Other Kuda I have are also shades of yellow in a tank with black sand and no greenery at all.

Tom

 

[Fishfreak218]

hmmm, ok nvm... i just realized that in most of the pics i saw of densly 'planted' tanks w/ seahorses the SH's were brightly colored.. oh well.... nvm then

 

[Poniegirl]

Great subject!
I have been told that seahorses change color as a defense, to camoflauge. To me, that translates to stress.
Every seahorse I have had (total of 5 over 15 years) has been black (dark brown) at purchase and has not changed color. Once in a while, do to some ignorant move on my part, they have looked a bit faded, but never a big change, and never permanent.
I would bet my bottom dollar that a well planted seahorse tank is healthier (trate absorbers) and more abundant with live food (pods).
Just my opinion, any thoughts?

 

[pledosophy]

IME there are many factors that influence color, besides just macr growth. I have seen very bright seahorses in completey fake setups, and black seahorses in macro tanks.

Many factors involved.