Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

MAINTENANCE AND BREEDING OF SEAHORSES (HIPPOCAMPUS KUDA) IN MARINE AQUARIUM

S.D. Naik, S.G. Belsare, M.S. Sawant, S.T. Sharangdher and M.T. Sharangdher Marine

Abstract

In the coastal waters of Ratnagiri, there is an occurrence of two species of Seahorse fishes Viz. Hippocam pus kudo (Bleeker, 1852) and Hippocampus trimaculatus (Leach, I814).These are regularly displayed and maintained in constant recirculatory water systems in Marine Biological Research Station (Dr. B.S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth), Ratnagiri. Hippocam pus kuda is a common species of this region and hence indicates good prospects for its breeding, culture and for export potential (Marichamy et al.! 993).Attempts were therefore, made to breed and rear them in captivity. H. kuda was successfully bred and reared. The growth rate was found to be 18 mm, 22 mm and 24 mm in 30, 60 and 90 days period respectively.