Petting a Seahorse

In Kona, on the Island of Hawaii, one of our tours was the Magical Seahorse Discovery where we learned about the raising of Seahorses at a Seahorse Farm. One of the highlights of the tour was a chance to hold a Seahorse in your hands. We were taught to hold our fingertips together to make an artificial reef and then the horse was placed in your hands where he would wrap his tail around your fingers. They are very gentle.

Seahorses are being selectively bred in this facility specifically as Pets. Wild caught seahorses have a two week life expectancy in an aquarium tank. These selectively bred seahorses have survived 10 to 12 years with proper care.

The farm sells direct to customers by FedEx. It costs $150.00 US for a pair. They are only shipped after the customer has completed a six week online course and has certified that they have properly prepared a satisfactory home for the new pets.

One unusual fact about Seahorses is that the males get pregnant and carry the babies. How is that for unusual!