Yellow Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)
Fish in the family Syngnathidae. Expert care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Hippocampus kuda is a small seahorse with a distinctive prehensile tail and an upright posture. The body is typically yellow to golden in color, though it may display pale orange or brown hues depending on mood and environment. A bony, segmented body with a prominent head bent at right angles to the trunk, paired fin-like appendages, and a crown-like coronet distinguish this syngnathid.
Diet and feeding
Feed exclusively on small crustaceans, primarily live or high-quality frozen mysid shrimp. Seahorses are slow feeders and require frequent small meals (2–3 times daily) due to their simple digestive system and high metabolic demands.
Difficulty and care for the Yellow Seahorse
Advanced - Requires experienced care due to sensitive nature specific habitat needs or complex dietary requirements. Best for expert aquarists.
Common health issues
Poor feeding, bacterial infection, parasites, gas bubble disease, wasting syndrome
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from East Africa and the Red Sea eastward to Japan and Australia, including coral reef and seagrass habitats throughout Southeast Asia.
Log Yellow 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 Yellow Seahorse alongside everything else in your reef.
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