Sunburst Seahorse

The Sunburst Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) is one of the most visually captivating marine creatures available in the aquarium hobby today. With its radiant golden-orange coloration, graceful swimming style, and peaceful demeanor, it adds a calming presence and ornamental elegance to any saltwater tank. At PacificFishDepot.com, we proudly offer captive-bred Sunburst Seahorses that are hardy, healthy, and responsibly sourced—available for shipping across all U.S. states and Canada.

Whether you’re new to keeping seahorses or a seasoned aquarist looking to enhance your display tank, the Sunburst Seahorse is a unique, enriching marine pet that demands attention and inspires fascination.

Species Overview

The Sunburst Seahorse is a color variant of the Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), known for its adaptability and success in captive environments. While wild seahorses often struggle with stress or disease, captive-bred Sunburst Seahorses thrive in well-maintained systems with appropriate care.

These elegant fish typically grow to 5–7 inches in length and live for up to 5 years in home aquariums. The Sunburst morph is specially bred for its vivid orange, yellow, or gold coloring, which becomes more intense with proper nutrition and lighting.

Why Buy from PacificFishDepot.com?

At PacificFishDepot.com, we specialize in supplying exotic marine life to aquarists across the USA and Canada. Our Sunburst Seahorses are:

• Captive-bred and tank-acclimated

• Shipped via overnight delivery with insulated, temperature-controlled packaging

• Covered by a Live Arrival Guarantee

• Supported by expert guidance on care and acclimation

We’re committed to ethical sourcing and long-term hobbyist success, ensuring every animal we ship is prepared to thrive in its new environment.

Key Details

Aquarium Requirements

Seahorses, including the Sunburst morph, require an aquarium tailored to their specific needs:

• Tall tanks: At least 20 inches high to accommodate their vertical swimming habits

• Gentle flow: Low water movement is critical for feeding and stability

• Hitching posts: Live rock, macroalgae, gorgonians, or artificial branches

• Stable parameters: Excellent filtration and minimal nitrate/ammonia levels

Ideal systems often include protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, and refugiums. The tank should be kept free from aggressive fish or corals with stinging tentacles.

Compatible Tank Mates

Because of their calm nature and slow feeding habits, Sunburst Seahorses should only be housed with peaceful species such as:

• Pipefish

• Banggai cardinalfish

• Gobies (non-aggressive types)

• Cleaner shrimp

• Snails and feather dusters

Avoid pairing with:

• Clownfish (especially larger or aggressive varieties)

• Damsels

• Triggerfish

• Fast swimmers or food competitors

Feeding and Nutrition

The Sunburst Seahorse is a picky yet manageable feeder. Most accept:

• Frozen mysis shrimp (primary diet)

• Enriched frozen brine shrimp (supplement)

• Live copepods and amphipods (occasional treats)

Feed 2–3 times daily, ideally in a designated feeding station to reduce food competition. Over time, they may learn to associate their owner with feeding and become interactive.

Behavior and Breeding

Sunburst Seahorses are social and peaceful, often observed coiling their tails around hitching posts and interacting gently with one another. They form monogamous pairs, with males carrying eggs in a specialized brood pouch.

In home aquariums, breeding is possible under controlled conditions, though raising fry requires experience and a nursery setup with live food cultures.

Shipping & Care Guarantee

At PacificFishDepot.com, all Sunburst Seahorses are:

• Overnight shipped in protective, breathable bags with oxygen and temperature insulation

• Accompanied by care instructions and acclimation tips

• Guaranteed under our Live Arrival Policy

• Available with full customer support before and after purchase

We ensure your seahorse arrives healthy and ready for life in your aquarium.

Is the Sunburst Seahorse Right for You?

This vibrant seahorse is ideal for:

• Marine hobbyists seeking a centerpiece fish

• Seahorse-specific aquarium keepers

• Breeding project enthusiasts

• Saltwater aquariums focused on aesthetics and tranquility

• Public and private marine displays

Its beauty, docility, and adaptability make it an excellent addition to peaceful reef-style aquariums and dedicated species tanks.

5 Transactional FAQs

1. Can I keep multiple Sunburst Seahorses in one tank?
Yes, they do best in pairs or small groups in 30+ gallon aquariums with low-flow setups and ample hitching points.

2. What is the best diet for a Sunburst Seahorse?
Feed them primarily frozen mysis shrimp, supplemented with vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and occasional live treats.

3. Is it safe to ship Sunburst Seahorses to the USA and Canada?
Absolutely. We ship healthy, captive-bred Sunburst Seahorses overnight to all U.S. states and Canada with a Live Arrival Guarantee.

4. Are these seahorses wild-caught or captive-bred?
All Sunburst Seahorses from PacificFishDepot.com are captive-bred for better adaptability, coloration, and survivability.

5. What kind of setup do I need for a Sunburst Seahorse?
A tall tank (20+ inches), low water flow, hitching structures, and stable water conditions are essential for optimal health.