HIPPOCAMPUS GUTTULATUS (CUVIER, 1829) AND H. HIPPOCAMPUS (LINNAEUS, 1758) CAPTIVE BREEDING PRELIMINARY DATA

DATI PRELIMINARI SULLA RIPRODUZIONE IN AMBIENTE CONTROLLATO DI HIPPOCAMPUS GUTTULATUS (CUVIER, 1829) E H. HIPPOCAMPUS (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Abstract

Mediterranean seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus and H. hippocampus) are undergoing marked population declines due to habitat degradation, bycatch, and illegal harvesting linked to demand for traditional Chinese medicine. Conservation efforts require effective tools such as captive breeding programs to support population recovery. This study developed a standardized breeding protocol for both species, optimizing husbandry conditions, reproductive output, and animal welfare. Ten breeding pairs (seven H. guttulatus, three H. hippocampus) were collected from the Mar Piccolo of Taranto and acclimated at the Acquario di Genova. Diets, adjusted to developmental stages, included live prey (Acartia tonsa, Artemia salina, Neomysis integer) enriched with supplements and offered ad libitum under controlled water parameters. Overall, 159 H. guttulatus and 100 H. hippocampussurvived to one year, reaching adult sizes. The results confirm the feasibility of captive breeding and provide a practical framework for population reinforcement and long‑term conservation.