Seahorse Color?

[Klownfish]

I've been considering a Seahorse tank, and since i'm new to these, I've been checking into them...

My BIG question is, I'm thinking of CB Erectus. I've been reading they change color, so don't pay more for a red one or yellow one... Is this true???

Also, if they do change color, and it might be to red or yellow, is it based on their enviornment? If I place fish and coral compatable that are a certain color, will the seahorse color up simmular?

IE: I place yellow/red Dendros and yellow Assessors, with some red Macro, might I push them to color up red or yellow? If I place fake plants and coral, in these colors, will I further enhance the color of my seahorse?

If i buy a black Erectus, can I get it to color up like the pricy ones? How about food, what influance (betacarotene enhanced) does this have?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

 

[heranatomy]

I have an orange sponge for color in my tank for color (besides green macroalgae.)

My first H. Erectus (which I bought as black) became a deep red, and lightened up a little with time (still red). As I added his new girlfriend, he become a brighter red, and when she looks at him his entire head turns golden and his pouch turns completely white.

His girlfriend was also purchased as a black H. Erectus. She is a beautiful grey/purple color with grey stripes down her tail and some flecks of white. She also turns a light lavender when her boyfriend looks at her. =D

Neither are colors found in my tank, so yes...they do change color.

I find with mood they change the most. When they see me coming with food they both lighten up. If they're stressed, they seem to darken.

I've never experimented with foods, so I don't have a say on that subject.

IME, just luck of the draw. Maybe someone else can share their experiences though.

 

[DanU]

My BIG question is, I'm thinking of CB Erectus. I've been reading they change color, so don't pay more for a red one or yellow one... Is this true???

Yep! Kinda like paying more for a green chameleon over a brown one.

Also, if they do change color, and it might be to red or yellow, is it based on their enviornment? If I place fish and coral compatable that are a certain color, will the seahorse color up simmular?

Environment is probably the single biggest influence. There are many other factors that come into play though. If you have a natural tank with a black background, live rock and live sand, the predominant colors are neutral. In many cases the seahorses will take on neutral tones. On the other hand, the more gaudy the tank, ie colored background, lots of colors in large hitching posts, etc. they will have a tendency to be more colorful. Color is one their natural protection mechanisms from predators to blend into their surroundings. Adding fish and corals may or may not have an impact. Sometimes, adding fish can have an adverse effect on trying to get them more colorful.

If i buy a black Erectus, can I get it to color up like the pricy ones?

Yep! Doesn't mean they will but they have the same potential of turning into a colorful specimen.

How about food, what influance (betacarotene enhanced) does this have?

Food does play a role. Loading them up on just one thing won't have the same impact as giving them a good diet and periodic live food treats.

Dan

 

[Klownfish]

As I added his new girlfriend, he become a brighter red, and when she looks at him his entire head turns golden and his pouch turns completely white.

She also turns a light lavender when her boyfriend looks at her. =D

WOW. That's really neat. They must be intresting to watch!

I've only seen seahorses in fish stores, and zoos, so I've never really spent much time with them.

I understand they are a BIG commitment, needing more time and attention than anemones and clownfish. I'm trying to decide if I want to take on the responsibility.

Your intresting post, and observations really make me lean toward seahorses!

Thanks!

 

[Klownfish]

Yep! Kinda like paying more for a green chameleon over a brown one.


Environment is probably the single biggest influence.

...the more gaudy the tank, ie colored background, lots of colors in large hitching posts, etc. they will have a tendency to be more colorful. Dan

Thanks Dan, I appreciate your time.

I've never considered a gaudy colored tank, but now I might! LOL!

I'm sure I'll have a few more questions, before I start up a seahorse tank.

I've been riding the fence wether to set up a dedicated tank (29 Biocube) for Mini Lionfish, Frogfish, or Seahorses. I'm well aware none of thses guys mix.

Since I've been reefkeeping, I've always enjoyed watching the relationships between the animals I keep. Anemone/Clownfish pairs, Shrimp/shrimp Goby, small harem of Flasher Wrasses, etc.

From what I've been reading about seahorses, they do sound like entertainment in a bowl.

:fish2:

 

[DanU]

Seahorses can be very captivating. Talk with anyone at public aquaria, there seahorse displays draw the largest crowds. That is not to say you would enjoy them more than the others you suggested, personal tastes come into play.

Easy answer is to setup a tank a tank for each!

Dan

 

[Klownfish]

Seahorses can be very captivating. Talk with anyone at public aquaria, there seahorse displays draw the largest crowds. That is not to say you would enjoy them more than the others you suggested, personal tastes come into play.

Easy answer is to setup a tank a tank for each!

Dan

I'm running out of real estate in my house. Although, my son's bedroom has one open corner... LOL

:lmao:

 

[namxas]

my SH obtained their best colors from living in a good "natural" environment with LR and live macro (i've had them be tan, brown, yellow, white, pink, and orange). i know some peeps have good results with "gaudy", and i had an experimental tank that i tried it in, but the SH never bothered to change colors based on background or hitches.

as for an aquapod, or any of the 'plug-n-play' systems, you'll need to mod it for SH...they run way too warm (around 80*, vs the 74* max for tropical SH), and you'll likely have to modify the flow by repumping it (which will also help with the temp if you go with a pump that draws less power) or splitting the return. i own (4) NC's and AP's (none are SH setups) so i'm pretty familiar with how they run.

HTH