question about seahorses

[maxfischer]

Dave (or anyone) i want to set up a pony tank out of a 37 i just picked up, i also have a love for the long horn box fish, can i combine them in a tank? would they do good together? both slow eaters. thanks
also how are the fry coming along? I'm in Worcester and should be all set up by spring in my pony tank

[graphixx]

I know that box fish are very messy little buggars! and that is all I can help you with. I know the pony guru should be along in a while

[JustDavidP]

Good question...but you won't like my answer...

Lactoria cornuta is a 'hit or miss' fish in ANY system. They have been known to eat the type of tank inhabitants that we group together as "clean up crew". This clean up crew is important in a slow water, high nutrient tank. Without the snails and crabs and such, you'll have nothing more than a tank o' cyano.

They are also known to emit toxins when stressed or if they die. In their own "species only" tank, this would not be a problem. In a smallish seahorse tank, it would be a disaster.

These fish are from Indo-Pacific/East Africa where water temperatures are closes to "reef" temps. The Brazilian Seahorses I keep need water in and around 75F. H. Erectus, the Northern Seahorse, needs temps in the high 60's. This is far too cold for a boxfish. The temp requirements of the boxfish would not be met. They are susceptible to ich and low temps could stress it enough to bring it on.

Also, boxfish get very large as they mature and are probably NOT suitable for most tanks. The "authorities" say that you need 100 gallons or greater with a mature sand bed (they blow into sand and hunt for worms n' such) and live rock.

Check out the information on Seahorse.org...or the "Org" as we call it. Here is a link to a compatibility chart. As you will notice. The boxfish isn't even on this chart. A true indication that sygnathid owners wouldn't imagine putting one in with their herds.

http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/tankmates.shtml

Be well.

Dave

[maxfischer]

thanks that helps tons

[JustDavidP]

Not a problem. The CR folks are always willing to help. Wherever they or I are lacking in information, we'll point you inthe right direction. Seahorse.org is just one of many resources out there. Most forums now have 'species only' sections that you can browse. Reefpedia is another great site as is Wet Web Media. Also, I'll be releasing a 'seahorse only' podcast with Rob Weatherly of the Talking Reef www.talkingreef.com within the next couple weeks.

Dave