Pete Giwojna
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Re:Sunfires - 2006/04/17 16:40
Dear Shorty:
Sun fires are one of OR's most exotic types, which are highly prized by aquarists because of their brilliant coloration and rarity. Their normal color pattern is extremely simple -- a uniform, unblemished yellow or yellow-orange from the top of their coronet to the tip of their tail -- yet it packs a tremendous wallop due to it's dazzling intensity. The neon yellow and blazing orange are the impossibly bright shades of color normally reserved for solar flares, nuclear meltdowns, or volcanoes erupting red-hot lava! Dazzlers!
As you can imagine, these spectacular specimens are in great demand among aquarists. Demand always far exceeds supply, so they command a steep price. If you want a pair of SunFires, be prepared to take a hit in your pocketbook and to take your place at the end of a long waiting line. When they do become available, most of them are already spoken for so they go fast!
SunFires are difficult to raise in quantity. They produce large broods of relatively small (7-9 mm) fry that may number in the several hundreds and which undergo an extended pelagic phase for the first few weeks of life. As a result, these are challenging seahorses to rear. It's the same old equation: large broods + tiny fry + an extended pelagic phase = relatively low survivorship. Add to that the fact that SunFire fry grow comparatively slowly, and, taking into consideration their unprecedented popularity, it's easy to understand why it's hard for Ocean Rider to keep them in stock.
Those are definite drawbacks, but don't let that deter you, Shorty. For my money, they are worth every penny and the wait only makes the reward all the sweeter in the end.
Because they are always in limited supply, Ocean Rider prefers that they go to experienced hobbyists and dedicated aquarists who can provide them with suitable surroundings and excellent care. If you're serious about getting SunFires, I suggest setting up a large aquarium of 40 gallons or better at least 20 inches tall just for your new acquisitions. The bigger the better is the rule for large species such as these, so a tank of 55 gallons or better and at least 28 inches deep would be ideal (Carol Cozzi-Schmarr, Sep. 2002). Make it a species tank -- these showstoppers deserve a display tank all their own -- and set it up like a standard SHOWLR system (with sump, if possible). Supplemental filtration should include a good protein skimmer (Carol Cozzi-Schmarr, Sep. 2002) and UV or ozone.
In my opinion, these are the most beautiful of all the seahorses and I heartily recommend them to any and all who can afford them and care for them properly. They are not easy to raise, so you make want to look elsewhere if that is your goal. Nor are they a good choice for beginners -- not because they aren't exceptionally hardy specimens (they are), but simply because a pair of SunFires represents a substantial investment for someone who is still learning the ropes. If you're new to seahorses, I suggest you cut your teeth on a pair of bulletproof H. erectus or bargain-priced Barbs (H. barbouri) to gain a little more experience before you graduate to SunFires.
Best wishes with all of your fishes, Shorty!
Happy Trails!
Pete Giwojna
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