Zulus, anyone?

[4luvofhrses]

Hi! Just wondering if anyone knows where to purchase cape seahorses...
...also called zulu-lulus or hippocampus capensis, have even heard them referred to as "knysas" also?
Anyone know where I can purchase these guys?

Thanks!

 

[ReefNutPA]

Ocean Rider is the only available source in the US. I've had them in the past - but I refuse to pay their current prices.

Tom

 

[4luvofhrses]

RE: zulus

RE: zulus

yeah, I know! $165 USD EACH? I know this variety was about to be classified as endangered if it hasn't already, but still- they are CAPTIVE bred!
My tank is a 10 gallon, and other than dwarves, a pair of zulus are the only suitable horses for this size of tank. I have researched this myself and then I've had 2 different experts (well, I consider them experts due to their experience) tell me this.

I know, I know... I should just graduate to a bigger tank. Believe me! I want to! But, I live in an apartment in NYC.... little, a bit cramped, and rented. This amounts to... not much space for a large aquarium AND a little trepidation when it comes to the idea of a potential leak or aquarium burst. So, I won't be getting a huge aquarium until I move into my own place or into one on the ground floor! I have big plans for the future, but for now... this is all I've got! I've already outfitted the tank with live rock and sand, so dwarves aren't the best idea.

Does anyone know of another variety small in size like zulus? That is the main reason that I picked them... that and I just liked them.

 

[ReefNutPA]

They aren't available at the moment, but H. breviceps would be an option. SeahorseSource.com carries them. While a 15 gal is more suitable, I suppose a 10 gal would do for a pair if you kept the tank immaculate. If at all possible, I'd upgrade to a 15 gal tank.

Just as you would need for the capensis, you WOULD need a chiller for the tank - an Ice Probe or two at least. The temp needs to be around 65F year round. Which, is impossible to do here in the Northeast during the hot summers without a chiller.

Tom

 

[pledosophy]

There is also a species called Fuscus that has been shwing up now and again. They are CB by ORA. They are a tropical horse so 74F would do nicely. They would really be better off in a 15g tall IMO. Same footprint as a 10g, just a few more inches tall. C'mon what's 5g going to do.

 

[4luvofhrses]

re::

re::

Yeah, I guess another 5gs never hurt anyone. I really wish I could move up to a 50... just don't have the space to properly maintain it and ventilate it. So, I could find the fuscus where? Is ORA Ocean Rider?

 

[ReefNutPA]

ORA is in Florida. They only sell wholesale BUT many local fish stores carry ORA fish (captive bred clownfish, etc). Check with your local fishstores to see if they carry/can order ORA fish.

Tom

 

[Rays]

where? Is ORA Ocean Rider?

Hawaii. http://www.oceanrider.com/

 

[ann83]

Also, a 20 gallon extra tall tank has the same footprint as a 10 gallon, and the extra gallonage will really help A LOT if you plan to do a seahorse tank. No extra floor/table space taken up, but lots of extra room to swim and extra water to dilute waste.

 

[JennyL]

ORA is Oceans Reefs & Aquariums and located in Florida.
OR (Ocean Rider) is located in Hawaii.

 

[4luvofhrses]

Re: zulus

Re: zulus

Thanks, all!
Considering that I am pretty new to all this,
I've done lots of research, but nothing replaces
words from people with plenty of experience.

Thanks again!
Will check out ORA