Hippocampus kuda

Scientific Name: Hippocampus kuda Bleeker, 1852

Common Name(s): Yellow seahorse; spotted seahorse; estuary seahorse, oceanic seahorse

Synonyms: Hippocamphus kuda Bleeker, 1852 (synonym); Hippocampus aterrimus Jordan & Snyder, 1902 (synonym); Hippocampus chinensis Basilewsky, 1855 (synonym); Hippocampus hilonis Jordan & Evermann, 1903 (synonym); Hippocampus horai Duncker, 1926 (synonym); Hippocampus kuda subsp. multiannularis Raj, 1941 (synonym); Hippocampus melanospilos Bleeker, 1854 (synonym); Hippocampus moluccensis Bleeker, 1852 (synonym); Hippocampus novaehebudorum Fowler, 1944 (synonym); Hippocampus polytaenia Bleeker, 1854 (synonym); Hippocampus raji Whitley, 1955 (ambiguous synonym); Hippocampus rhynchomacer Duméril, 1870 (synonym); Hippocampus taeniops Fowler, 1904 (synonym); Hippocampus tristis Castelnau, 1872 (synonym)

Hippocampus kuda is so frequently applied to seahorses that the name has almost become meaningless, however, finding true Spotted seahorses in the hobby is somewhat rare. These are truly magnificent fish with an incredible array of colors to accompany their smooth, sleek bodies. The spots around their face from which they draw their name are simply stunning. They are active, excellent eaters, and easy to breed.