Denise's Pygmy Seahorse (Hippocampus denise)
Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Expert care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
One of the smallest seahorse species, reaching only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. Body color varies from yellow to pale pink or cream, often with faint darker bands or spots. The body is slender with a prehensile tail, crown-like dorsal fin, and elaborate appendages (cirri) covering the body for camouflage among seagrass and soft corals.
Diet and feeding
Feed small live prey primarily: copepods, amphipods, and other zooplankton. In captivity, accept enriched frozen copepods and specialized seahorse food. Require frequent small feedings (3–4 times daily) of high-quality, tiny food items to maintain health.
Difficulty and care for the Denise's Pygmy Seahorse
Denise's Pygmy Seahorses are extremely challenging for most hobbyists due to their tiny size, specific dietary needs (constant availability of copepods), sensitivity to strong water movement, and specialized tank requirements. They require an expert-level setup and are best maintained by experienced aquarists with dedicated copepod cultures.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole-in-the-Head, Columnaris Disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Triangle, typically found in coastal reefs at depths of 5–40 meters.
Log Denise's Pygmy Seahorse in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Denise's Pygmy Seahorse alongside everything else in your reef.
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