Hippocampus zosterae

Scientific Name: Hippocampus zosterae Jordan & Gilbert, 1882

Common Name(s): Dwarf seahorse; little seahorse; pygmy seahorse

Synonyms: H. rosamondae Borodin 1928; H. regulus Ginsburg 1933

The Dwarf Seahorse is a mere speck of a fish - adults may reach 2 full inches! However, these little guys are probably the easiest of all of the seahorse species to care for. They are the only species capable of sustaining a full life span (2 to 3 years) on enriched brine shrimp. Colors can vary from drab earth-tones to vivid greens and yellows. Color patterns are also quite different, with stripes, spots, and all other manner of splotches breaking up solid backgrounds.