Distribution: Nth Queensland, Nth Western Australia, Northern Territory and Indonesia.

In the past any un-identified species were called kuda. Many of the seahorses imported from Asian countries are called kuda, some may be.

Description: Can grow to 12 cms (adult), low coronet, tends to be smooth with low rounded bumps has a deep head and thick snout.

Colouration: Often black/brown or yellow, orange and red to cream with dark brown/red spots.

Optimum Keeping Parameters: Temp 24°C-26°C; pH 8.2; Salinity sg 1021, Ammonia—Nil; Nitrite—Nil; Nitrates— < 20 ppm.

Other Notes: Is sexually active from 7-8 months old; not monogamous; brood size between 10-800 (dependant on age and size of parents); average brood size for adults is 200; usually mates between Oct-Jan; can have up to 3 births per year; gestation is approximately 15-18 days (temp dependent) ; fry born at 8-10 mm, they can be offered Instar II Artemia from day one. Is sometimes shy, enjoys hunting for food.

Availability: Is being “Captive Bred” for the aquaria trade, a lot of the available stocks available at present are imported from Asian countries and these are all wild caught. Tropical species