Hippocampus Abdominalis

Discover the graceful beauty and fascinating behavior of the Hippocampus abdominalis, commonly referred to as the Big-Bellied Seahorse, now available at PacificFishDepot.com. Native to the cool coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand, this striking seahorse species is admired for its gentle nature, large belly, and incredible adaptability in captive environments.

Whether you’re a dedicated seahorse enthusiast or an aquarist seeking a peaceful, slow-moving species for a specialty tank, Hippocampus abdominalis is an excellent choice for marine aquarium setups with proper conditions. At PacificFishDepot.com, we are proud to offer healthy, captive-bred specimens backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee and professional nationwide shipping across the USA and Canada.

About Hippocampus Abdominalis

The Hippocampus abdominalis is one of the largest and hardiest seahorses in the world. Growing up to 12–14 inches in length, it is easily recognized by its stocky build, elongated snout, and rounded abdomen—which is especially prominent in males during the breeding season.

As a temperate marine species, this seahorse thrives in cooler water temperatures compared to many tropical counterparts. It is well suited for dedicated seahorse aquariums, public displays, and educational environments where low flow and stable salinity are maintained.

Why Buy Hippocampus Abdominalis from PacificFishDepot.com?

At PacificFishDepot.com, we specialize in exotic marine life and responsibly bred species, ensuring a safe, healthy, and sustainable acquisition for aquarists of all levels.

✅ Captive-Bred & Quarantined

Our seahorses are captive-bred, not wild-caught, which promotes better health, easier acclimation, and ethical practices.

 Live Arrival Guarantee

Enjoy peace of mind with our Live Arrival Guarantee. Your seahorse arrives healthy—or we’ll make it right.

Expert Shipping Nationwide

We provide secure, temperature-controlled shipping to all U.S. states and Canada, ensuring your Hippocampus abdominalis arrives safely and stress-free.

Aquarium-Safe & Compatible

Our Big-Bellied Seahorses are evaluated for tank-readiness and community compatibility, with acclimation support provided post-purchase.

Species Overview

Habitat & Tank Requirements

🌊 Environment

Hippocampus abdominalis prefers a low-flow marine setup that mimics cool, stable ocean environments. Use chillers if your room temperature is high, as consistent cool water is key to their longevity.

🪸 Decor and Layout

• Tall hitching posts: Such as macroalgae, seagrass, or coral branches

• Open swimming space

• Fine sand substrate or bare bottom

• Soft lighting to reduce stress

Avoid strong water currents, sharp objects, or fast-moving tank mates.

Feeding and Nutrition

These seahorses are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild.

Recommended Foods:

• Enriched frozen mysis shrimp

• Copepods or amphipods

• Live baby brine shrimp (occasional)

• Finely chopped seafood (optional supplement)

Feed 2–3 times per day in low-flow feeding stations to avoid food drift. Hippocampus abdominalis has a high metabolism, so consistent feeding is essential to prevent emaciation.

Breeding and Behavior

Seahorses are known for their unique reproductive strategy, where males carry the eggs in a brood pouch. Hippocampus abdominalis is no exception.

Captive-bred specimens may breed in the aquarium under the right conditions:

• Pair bonding begins with daily dances and tail holding

• Male develops a swollen brood pouch

• Gestation lasts ~30 days before live young are expelled

While breeding can be fascinating, raising fry is a complex process requiring specialized equipment and diets.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

Big-Bellied Seahorses do best in species-specific or peaceful community tanks. They are easily outcompeted for food and should never be housed with aggressive or fast-eating fish.

Suitable Tank Mates:

• Pipefish

• Small gobies

• Mandarin dragonets

• Invertebrates like cleaner shrimp or snails

Avoid:

• Damselfish

• Clownfish (some species)

• Puffers

• Wrasses

• Triggerfish

Ideal for Enthusiasts Seeking:

• A coldwater marine seahorse

• A species with peaceful temperament

• Unique and educational marine pets

• Captive-bred and ethically sourced fish

• A species suitable for display aquariums or marine hobbyists

Shipping & Care Support

We ship Hippocampus abdominalis year-round across the USA and Canada with:

• Professional insulated packaging

• Temperature control (including chill packs if needed)

• Acclimation instructions

• Dedicated customer support

Our team is here to assist with every stage—from selection and shipping to post-arrival care.

🛒 5 Transactional FAQs

1. Do you ship Hippocampus abdominalis to all U.S. states and Canada?

Yes, we offer nationwide shipping across all U.S. states and Canadian provinces using secure, temperature-regulated methods.

2. Are the seahorses captive-bred or wild-caught?

All of our Big-Bellied Seahorses are ethically captive-bred, ensuring better health and adaptability for home aquariums.

3. What is the recommended tank setup for this species?

We suggest a species-specific tank of 50+ gallons with low flow, vertical hitching structures, and stable cool water conditions.

4. How do you ensure safe shipping of live seahorses?

Each shipment includes chill packs, insulation, and overnight shipping. We also provide a Live Arrival Guarantee.

5. Can I house more than one Hippocampus abdominalis in the same tank?

Yes, they are social and non-aggressive, and can be kept in pairs or groups, especially when introduced together.