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SEAHORSE BIOLOGY
The exact number of seahorse species around
the world is unknown, though Kuiter (2000) suggests the number
to be in the order of
60, of which 25 are found in Australia. Seahorse Australia's
Southern Knights (Hippocampus bleekeri - formerly included with
H. abdominalis) are found only in south-eastern Australian waters.
It is one of the largest of seahorses growing up to about 25cm
by 4 years of age. They have a variety of attractive body patterns
and colours and often have a 'head dress" of tentacle-like
appendages called filaments. These features, together with their
graceful disposition and long life span (up to 3-4 years in captivity),
make Southern Knight's Aquariums a wonderful addition to any
home.
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Remarkably, for seahorses it is the male who becomes pregnant
and gives birth. The female transfers her eggs into the male's
pouch where they are nurtured for 30 days (varies for other
species). Typically Southern Knights give birth to around
250 babies, although Seahorses Australia has recorded broods
as large as 1116.
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Southern Knights Information at a glance:
Distribution
of Southern Knights:
- Victorian coast line.
- Great Australian Bight and South Australian Gulf regions.
- Tasmania, including the Tamar and Derwent estuaries. Often
found clinging to nets at coastal aquaculture facilities.
Size
Up to 25cm in length at 4 years of age (depending on diet and care). Weight
50-70g fully grown Colour and appearance
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Great variety, ranging from silver-white, orange, black to
dark gold.
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Some specimens heavily spotted, others without spots
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Male pouch distinctively white, darkening during pregnancy
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Many individuals have a 'crown' adorning their head, which
is highly sought after in the aquarium trade
Fecundity
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Large individuals give birth to over 250 fry per pregnancy
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In the wild 3-4 births per male during summer
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During winter, many males in a pregnant state
First mating Breeding
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After a spectacle of a courtship, the female passes her eggs
to the male, who fertilises them in his pouch.
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Males give birth to live young after
a gestation period between 30 & 50 days, depending on
water temperature
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Previously mated females will mate with non-pregnant males
during this time
Growth rates Longevity Food
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In the wild, live crustacea and small fish
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Seahorse Australia's captive bred Southern Knights readily
accept live and frozen Mysid shrimp, brine shrimp (Artemia) and
krill. These foods are sold in pet and aquarium shops.
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