Observations on captive spawning and rearing of Sea horse Hippocampus kuda

Abstract

Syngnathids, comprising seahorses and pipefishes form an important group among the non-food fishes. These fishes are exploited mainly as a source of aphrodisiac and is believed to cure a wide range of diseases such as asthma, arteriosclerosis, goitre and lymphnode diseases. The low fecundity, high competition for the juvenile survival, sparse distribution, mate fidelity and irrational exploitation to meet the ever increasing international demand make the resource unsustainable. Thus propagation under captive conditions became more important and relevant since it would not only enhance the export trade and foreign exchange inflow but also rebuild and conserve the wild population from its destruction.