Seahorse ID
- Thread starter FishyMel
- Start date
ann83
New member
The coronet looks wrong for both Kelloggi and Kuda. Of the commonly available species, the coronet looks most like Reidi, but the body and snout don't look right to me for Reidi. Check out the gallery here http://gallery.seahorse.org/main.ph...2_GALLERYSID=e4395f41a0303c23a470ddadce23c614 and the quick I.D. guides here http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/quickid.shtml and here http://www.syngnathid.org/articles/idGuide.html
She also looks like she lost a bit of the end of her tail at some point, either from tail rot or having it cut off by something, so tail rings might not be an accurate way of I.D.ing her.
She also looks like she lost a bit of the end of her tail at some point, either from tail rot or having it cut off by something, so tail rings might not be an accurate way of I.D.ing her.
FishyMel
New member
No, she has her whole tail it is just curled up in both pics 
It comes to a nice point (as it should), but she likes to curl it around whatever she is hitched on. My son is getting a better picture of just her tail so you can see better. She is about 6 inches long including tail. Nice size girl.
Honestly, this is one healthy horse. She is eating around 10 to 12 mysis shrimp twice daily. I trained her watch the syringe for food and she snicks it one by one as it comes out. Then, I put a few additional in the plants or on the liverock where she is hitched for later snacking and she has been cleaning those up too.
I know I am an amateur at seahorses, but I have been keeping saltwater aquariums since 1992 and freshwater even before that, so I can pretty much tell if an animal is healthy. I would love to know what variety of seahorse this girl is? Can I rule out Kelloggi for sure, or is that just a guess?
Mely
It comes to a nice point (as it should), but she likes to curl it around whatever she is hitched on. My son is getting a better picture of just her tail so you can see better. She is about 6 inches long including tail. Nice size girl.Honestly, this is one healthy horse. She is eating around 10 to 12 mysis shrimp twice daily. I trained her watch the syringe for food and she snicks it one by one as it comes out. Then, I put a few additional in the plants or on the liverock where she is hitched for later snacking and she has been cleaning those up too.
I know I am an amateur at seahorses, but I have been keeping saltwater aquariums since 1992 and freshwater even before that, so I can pretty much tell if an animal is healthy. I would love to know what variety of seahorse this girl is? Can I rule out Kelloggi for sure, or is that just a guess?
Mely
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ann83
New member
I wasn't suggesting she was unhealthy, I have a seahorse that has a tail that comes to a stub from somewhere in her past life, and she is perfectly healthy. Seahorse tails don't grow back, so it wouldn't necessarily be an indication of a recent incident, and since hermits could take off the tip of a seahorse tail, it wouldn't even necessarily be an indication of an illness. I really hope you don't think I'm slighting your husbandry skills or trying to imply that you are an unfit seahorse parent. I am not. From the earlier pics, it truly looked like maybe using tail rings as part of the I.D. process would be a problem. However, you are right, she does have a full tail.
I am not an expert on Kelloggi, but from what I know of them, and what is out there picture wise and I.D. wise, I would rule out Kelloggi. The coronet should be made out of 3 straight edges, rather than rounded, and should have a steeper slope in the back, and have a more rigid slope in the front. There is a strong possibility that the TR Kelloggi that are coming in are hybrids (seahorse species are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring), so an exact I.D. may not be possible, but there are several strong I.D.ers on www.seahorse.org that are more familiar than I am with less common species, so if you post a pic over there, you have a stronger chance of getting an I.D. Good Luck.
I am not an expert on Kelloggi, but from what I know of them, and what is out there picture wise and I.D. wise, I would rule out Kelloggi. The coronet should be made out of 3 straight edges, rather than rounded, and should have a steeper slope in the back, and have a more rigid slope in the front. There is a strong possibility that the TR Kelloggi that are coming in are hybrids (seahorse species are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring), so an exact I.D. may not be possible, but there are several strong I.D.ers on www.seahorse.org that are more familiar than I am with less common species, so if you post a pic over there, you have a stronger chance of getting an I.D. Good Luck.
FishyMel
New member
Thanks for your help Anne. I had never thought about the fact that the tail can't grow back. Good reason not to keep hermits on the cleanup crew in the tank then. I didn't get any because I want to add a few non-stinging polyps to the setup and hermits mess with everything.
I will post a pick at the other site and see if they have any ideas, but my original suspicion was that she is a hybrid and really no specific breed at all. It is a shame that people are doing that. I really hope this isn't a shri lankin pony, but there is no telling. I went back and asked the lfs where he ordered her from, and he said it came from one of his "distributors" whatever that means.
I am grateful that she is healthy, and at this point, I just don't know what direction to go with the tank. This girl needs friends. She is in a 75 by herself, and I have no idea what kind of seahorse I can add for a friend. I am scared of the disease mixing that I have read so much about. On a positive note, cocopuff took 14 mysis for dinner tonight.
I will post a pick at the other site and see if they have any ideas, but my original suspicion was that she is a hybrid and really no specific breed at all. It is a shame that people are doing that. I really hope this isn't a shri lankin pony, but there is no telling. I went back and asked the lfs where he ordered her from, and he said it came from one of his "distributors" whatever that means.
I am grateful that she is healthy, and at this point, I just don't know what direction to go with the tank. This girl needs friends. She is in a 75 by herself, and I have no idea what kind of seahorse I can add for a friend. I am scared of the disease mixing that I have read so much about. On a positive note, cocopuff took 14 mysis for dinner tonight.
ann83
New member
Congrats on getting her to eat well and good luck on the I.D.ing. Like Pledo and I talked about before, there are ways to add other species, there are just a lot of precautions to take, and there is a degree of risk when you choose to do that. I suggest you do some searches on multiple boards on different people's successes and what precautions they have taken (QT periods, slow mixing of water, UV's, temps, foods, etc.) that contribute to their success. You can start reading here http://forum.seahorse.org/index.php?showtopic=26202&start=0&p=279750&#entry279750
Duddly01
New member
Doesn't look like the keloggi I have been seeing lately here in LA. We have been seeing alot of kuda/kelloggi hybrids lately so it could be a hybrid, which really mixes things up a bit. It doesn't look like those really either that much though and most I have seen in stores are a lot smaller than 6". Based on the coronet I would bet Reidi.
ann83
New member
I keep Reidi, and I really don't think that that is what she is... but she could be a Kuda/Reidi hybrid, or a something else Reidi hybrid. As for what you should keep with her, I'd stick with the larger, more hardy tropical species, like Reidi.
I love Reidi, they have the potential to be really colorful, and I like their more sleek look. All seahorses have different personalities, but I can tell you about my girls. My girls are really active all day long (they don't just pick a hitch and sit all day), and they have come to recognize me and will dance for me at the glass (begging for food) whenever I'm near the tank and they come to the top hoping I'll stick my hand in so they can hitch to it... seahorses do have extremely good eyesight (possibly similar to eagle eyesight).
Erectus are very popular. They have a broader body and are far more likely to have cirri than Reidi and Kuda. They have the potential for beautiful patterns, but their colors are more muted compared to the bright colors possible with Reidi (not that color or pattern are ever guaranteed with any species). I haven't kept them, so I don't know much about their personality. They have a reputation for being one of the most hardy species, but that could be a problem in your case, because they also have a reputation for being the worst species to mix with, because they are so tough that they can carry around a lot more things that will get the other species sick (like your girl).
Kuda are slim like Reidi but slightly smaller in length and not as brightly colored. I know next to nothing about their personalities, but I would personally avoid them at the moment. There isn't anyone in the U.S. breeding them on a large scale, so unless you get some raised by a hobbyist (which isn't likely) you aren't likely to get healthy seahorses. The ones in the U.S. right now seem to be pen-raised in the ocean & imported, and there have been a lot of disease problems with them.
I would also personally stear clear of more sensitive species like Ingens (which would be difficult to get anyway), Barbouri, and Comes (which aren't available CB anyway), and that pretty much covers the tropical species available in the U.S. (except dwarves, which are an obvious no-go). So, it looks like I'm pretty much recommending Reidi at this point Basically, I would recommend Erectus, except that by the time you get your new SH, you are going to be so attached to cocopuff that it would probably be preferable emotionally to risk getting your new SH sick than to risk getting your cocopuff sick. Of Reidi and Erectus, I think Reidi would be less likely to get cocopuff sick, especially since I could easily see her being a hybrid of Reidi, but I don't see any Erectus in her. Of course, if you get a different I.D. on her species, my recommendations could change...
My last bit of advice is to use www.seahorsesource.com to get your SH. Dan is super available to the hobbyist whenever you have any questions or problems, and he is very knowledgeable, which I think has extra importance since you are going into this knowing you might have problems. He also sells many of the medications you'll want to stock up on off his web site, and he knows their proper usage and dosage to walk you through it if you need them (and he will work to get you more in a pinch if you need it). He also has really healthy SH. His erectus typically have a waiting list all the time, but I think his Reidi are usually readily available. I would caution you against getting Reidi from your LFS, even if your LFS orders from ORA. One, the extra shipping, acclimation, etc. from wholesaler to LFS to you puts them through extra stress that you really want to try to avoid with this plan, and also b/c I have been told that ORA has been mixing a few of their species (which adds extra disease risk for your girl that you really don't want to mess with in this case), and that some of the Reidi being shipped to LFS by ORA are being imported from other unidentified captive sources (read: could be ocean pen-raised in Asia, or from seawater flow-through systems) and LFS owners have told me that some batches aren't coming in very healthy.
I love Reidi, they have the potential to be really colorful, and I like their more sleek look. All seahorses have different personalities, but I can tell you about my girls. My girls are really active all day long (they don't just pick a hitch and sit all day), and they have come to recognize me and will dance for me at the glass (begging for food) whenever I'm near the tank and they come to the top hoping I'll stick my hand in so they can hitch to it... seahorses do have extremely good eyesight (possibly similar to eagle eyesight).
Erectus are very popular. They have a broader body and are far more likely to have cirri than Reidi and Kuda. They have the potential for beautiful patterns, but their colors are more muted compared to the bright colors possible with Reidi (not that color or pattern are ever guaranteed with any species). I haven't kept them, so I don't know much about their personality. They have a reputation for being one of the most hardy species, but that could be a problem in your case, because they also have a reputation for being the worst species to mix with, because they are so tough that they can carry around a lot more things that will get the other species sick (like your girl).
Kuda are slim like Reidi but slightly smaller in length and not as brightly colored. I know next to nothing about their personalities, but I would personally avoid them at the moment. There isn't anyone in the U.S. breeding them on a large scale, so unless you get some raised by a hobbyist (which isn't likely) you aren't likely to get healthy seahorses. The ones in the U.S. right now seem to be pen-raised in the ocean & imported, and there have been a lot of disease problems with them.
I would also personally stear clear of more sensitive species like Ingens (which would be difficult to get anyway), Barbouri, and Comes (which aren't available CB anyway), and that pretty much covers the tropical species available in the U.S. (except dwarves, which are an obvious no-go). So, it looks like I'm pretty much recommending Reidi at this point
Basically, I would recommend Erectus, except that by the time you get your new SH, you are going to be so attached to cocopuff that it would probably be preferable emotionally to risk getting your new SH sick than to risk getting your cocopuff sick. Of Reidi and Erectus, I think Reidi would be less likely to get cocopuff sick, especially since I could easily see her being a hybrid of Reidi, but I don't see any Erectus in her. Of course, if you get a different I.D. on her species, my recommendations could change...My last bit of advice is to use www.seahorsesource.com to get your SH. Dan is super available to the hobbyist whenever you have any questions or problems, and he is very knowledgeable, which I think has extra importance since you are going into this knowing you might have problems. He also sells many of the medications you'll want to stock up on off his web site, and he knows their proper usage and dosage to walk you through it if you need them (and he will work to get you more in a pinch if you need it). He also has really healthy SH. His erectus typically have a waiting list all the time, but I think his Reidi are usually readily available. I would caution you against getting Reidi from your LFS, even if your LFS orders from ORA. One, the extra shipping, acclimation, etc. from wholesaler to LFS to you puts them through extra stress that you really want to try to avoid with this plan, and also b/c I have been told that ORA has been mixing a few of their species (which adds extra disease risk for your girl that you really don't want to mess with in this case), and that some of the Reidi being shipped to LFS by ORA are being imported from other unidentified captive sources (read: could be ocean pen-raised in Asia, or from seawater flow-through systems) and LFS owners have told me that some batches aren't coming in very healthy.
ann83
New member
If this helps,
Characteristics of H.Reidi
Trunk rings: 11
Tail rings: 35 (31â€"œ39)
Head Length/Snout Lenth: 2.2 (2.0â€"œ2.5)
Rings supporting dorsal fin: 2 trunk rings and 1 tail ring
Dorsal fin rays: 17 (16â€"œ19)
Pectoral fin rays: 16 (15â€"œ17)
Coronet: Low to medium-height, rounded; may be large and convoluted (like crumpled paper), five points.
Spines: None, or low, rounded tubercles
Other distinctive characteristics: Broad, almost double cheek and eye spines; long, thick snout; narrow body;
(Pledosophy, I hope you don't mind that I borrowed some of your work
)
Characteristics of H.Reidi
Trunk rings: 11
Tail rings: 35 (31â€"œ39)
Head Length/Snout Lenth: 2.2 (2.0â€"œ2.5)
Rings supporting dorsal fin: 2 trunk rings and 1 tail ring
Dorsal fin rays: 17 (16â€"œ19)
Pectoral fin rays: 16 (15â€"œ17)
Coronet: Low to medium-height, rounded; may be large and convoluted (like crumpled paper), five points.
Spines: None, or low, rounded tubercles
Other distinctive characteristics: Broad, almost double cheek and eye spines; long, thick snout; narrow body;
(Pledosophy, I hope you don't mind that I borrowed some of your work
)
FishyMel
New member
Thanks Ann and Dudley for your help.
Ann thanks for the info on Redi. I tried to count tail rings this morning and got lost. I will look closer at the coronet and see if I can count trunk rings.
As far as the suppliers. I have been looking at seahorsesource and NYseahorses. Heard good thing about both. I am going to order online as opposed to getting them locally, though I did see a nice pair of "supposedly" captive raised erectus last week. Who knows what that means exactly. I can tell by how my girl acts that she wasn't captive bred. She had to be pen raised because it took work to get her to eat the mysis more then just picking at it. She wasn't a hardy eater when I first got her. While she would eat the mysis, she needed to see it move.
Ann, can I see some pictures of your tank and your girls?
Ann thanks for the info on Redi. I tried to count tail rings this morning and got lost. I will look closer at the coronet and see if I can count trunk rings.
As far as the suppliers. I have been looking at seahorsesource and NYseahorses. Heard good thing about both. I am going to order online as opposed to getting them locally, though I did see a nice pair of "supposedly" captive raised erectus last week. Who knows what that means exactly. I can tell by how my girl acts that she wasn't captive bred. She had to be pen raised because it took work to get her to eat the mysis more then just picking at it. She wasn't a hardy eater when I first got her. While she would eat the mysis, she needed to see it move.
Ann, can I see some pictures of your tank and your girls?
ann83
New member
Thanks. Its an old tank, so I don't know what it was sold as (probably a 35). Inside dimensions come out to 37 gallons. Seriously considering upgrading though, except I really like the tank the way it is... (can you tell I'm undecided ). That pic really doesn't do it justice (hex's are hard for me to photograph as full tank shots).
I think a 42 would be good, provided it has enough height. I have 23" of water height and my seahorses aren't full grown. Shoot for 24" of height (or more depending on how deep you want your substrate) on a seahorse tank.
). That pic really doesn't do it justice (hex's are hard for me to photograph as full tank shots). I think a 42 would be good, provided it has enough height. I have 23" of water height and my seahorses aren't full grown. Shoot for 24" of height (or more depending on how deep you want your substrate) on a seahorse tank.
crazinezz978
New member
nice ponies
FishyMel
New member
My hex is at least 24. It is too tall. It actually is hard to vacuum the bottom because it is so much deeper then my arm. Don't like it because it has a small surface area. After doing years of salt, I have learned the importance of a good surface area for gas exchange and ph control. That is the downside to the hex tanks. They are too deep with too small a footprint, ime. Right now, I have my 1 lone pony in a 75. But, I like the control of water parameters I get, so I am torn too.
ann83
New member
The height is wonderful for seahorses, and I agree about the surface area, but so far I have had luck with making sure I have generous surface agitation. I think that a sump would go a long way towards helping maintain params in hex tanks & tall tanks w/ the extra surface area they add, I just haven't figured out how to add one to this tank yet As for cleaning the bottom, at least there's less to clean . You just need to clean on a stepstool in a tanktop.
As for cleaning the bottom, at least there's less to clean . You just need to clean on a stepstool in a tanktop.
FishyMel
New member
My armpit is right against the top of the tank when I reach into it. I really can't even touch the bottom. Thank goodness for long siphons. A sump would help. I run a powerhead right on the surface of mine to agitate the surface of the water, and I use an eheim canister filter with a spray bar aimed at the surface, in addition to an airstone. I presently use it for freshwater south american fish. I am so tempted to rip it down and change it to a seahorse tank. I ordered 3 erectus today. I am so nervous. They get here tomorrow. I sure hope that they arrive safely in the morning. I can see that they left their point of origin at 7:30 this evening and are guaranteed to arrive before 10:30 tomorrow morning so they shouldn't have a chance to overheat.
I decided to go with erectus since they seem the hardiest and I really want to be successful. Besides, they are a beautiful pony. I figure that they would be least likely to get sick from cocopuff. And since they are captive bred and pathogen free, they shouldn't infect her. Fingers crossed. I am so excited!
I decided to go with erectus since they seem the hardiest and I really want to be successful. Besides, they are a beautiful pony. I figure that they would be least likely to get sick from cocopuff. And since they are captive bred and pathogen free, they shouldn't infect her. Fingers crossed. I am so excited!
