ORA Brazilian Longsnout Seahorse

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet: Carnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: With Caution
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 2.5-3" (from top of head to start of the tail curl)
• Approximate Max Size: 8"
• Recommended Tank Size: 40 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This fish is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation. 

The Brazilian variety of Hippocampus reidi is one of the largest seahorse species, growing to over 8 inches in length. They have a range of color variations from black to yellow, orange and red. The ORA Brazilian Longsnout Seahorse is offered in the black and yellow variety.

Brazilian Seahorses are an Atlantic species with a wide range. They can be found as far north as the Carolinas and south to Brazil. They are known in the hobby as Brazilian Seahorses because in the past, many colorful wild specimens were imported from Brazil.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

A minimum tank size of 40 gallons is recommended for a small group of Brazilian Longsnout Seahorses, but a larger aquarium will be necessary for larger groups of if you wish to house other fish in the aquarium.

Habitat Recommendations

Seahorses thrive in environments that closely resemble their natural habitat. Here’s how to set up their ideal home:

• Aquascaping: Provide spots in the aquarium for the seashorses to hitch onto. Branching rock, macro algae, or even artificial decorations can be used.
• Substrate: This fish has no specific substrate requirements and can be kept in aquariums using sand of various grain sizes, crushed coral, or no substrate at all.
• Water Flow: Seahorses are not strong swimmers and will thrive in aquariums with gentle internal water flow. Reef aquariums with "low to medium" flow are acceptable with plenty of hitching posts.

Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is essential for the health of a seahorse.

• Temperature: 72-78°F
• pH Level: 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt)
• Ammonia and Nitrite: Undetectable
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
• Water Flow: Moderate flow

Diet

Longsnout Seahorses are carnivores. The most popular food for these fish is frozen mysis shrimp. Because they are slower-moving fish, target feeding may be necessary to provide the proper nutrition to each seahorse in the aquarium. It is also important to turn off pumps and powerheads when feeding so that seahorses can successfully move about the aquarium to collect food.

Compatibility

The Brazilian Longsnout Seahorse is a calm and peaceful animal, but can be easily outcompeted for food. Choose companions carefully.

Common Tank Mates: Dragonets, Gobies, Pipefish, Firefish, and peaceful clownfish (like ocellaris and percula).

Tank Mates to Avoid: Aggressive or fast-moving fish should also be avoided. Tangs, Wrasse, Angelfish, and other similar fish aren't good tankmates.

Coral Compatibility: This seahorse species is considered Reef Safe and is compatible with soft coral, LPS, and SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Slow swimmers that anchor to hitching spots for stability
• Peaceful nature - males may show mild territorial behavior during breeding
• Need close monitoring during feeding to ensure proper nutrition

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions