Lined Seahorses at The Boca Aquarium: A Closer Look

The lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, is the subject of this Boca Aquarium photo feature. The close photograph shows two seahorses beneath blue aquarium lighting, while the wider images place them in the context of a small showroom display.

A tail made for holding on

Seahorses are fish, although their upright posture and curled tails look very different from the fish most people recognize. Their prehensile tails can wrap around supports, helping them stay in place. The National Aquarium’s lined seahorse guide describes how they hold onto plants and wait for tiny prey.

Watch the small movements

A seahorse may seem almost still at first. Look for small fin movements, a change in its grip or the position of its snout. Its feeding method draws small prey into the mouth. Observing quietly gives you a better chance to notice these details than tapping the glass or trying to attract the animal.

The surrounding display

The other photographs show rockwork, colorful polyps and aquarium equipment. They provide context for the display; the equipment and layout should not be treated as a complete care guide for a home seahorse tank.

These are archived photographs from Diamonds by Raymond Lee. Ask our team about current aquarium residents and viewing arrangements before visiting specifically to see seahorses. The animals and displays may differ from those shown here.