Abstract

Reference	Le Cheminant, J.M. 2000. An investigation to establish the suitability of Opalithplattchen (bee tags), Floy and visible implant fluorescent elastomer (VIFE) tagging systems for marking the knysna seahorses, Hippocampus capensis. Bournemouth University. MS Thesis.
Abstract	Identifying and developing marking systems for seahorses is currently a key priority in order to increase access to their biological and ecological information in both aquarium and field research. This study trialed Opalithplattchen (Bee tags), Floy tags, tied around the necks of seahorses and Visible Implant Fluorescent Elastomer (VIFE) tags on captive bred juvenile Knysna seahorses, Hippocampus capensis at London Zoo. Bee tagging was found to be unsuitable due to the extremely limited tag retention times of 1 hour using Shellac glue and 4.5 hours using Vetbond glue to apply the tags. Floy tags and VIFE did not affect survival and had no significant affect on the seahorse’s feeding or behavior. Floy tags had no significant overall affect on growth. VIFE tagging had a significant affect three weeks after tagging, although a longer data set is needed to attribute this conclusively to the tagging. Floy tags had good visibility, but retention rates were problematic and need improving by finding alternative thread types for tying the tags. VIFE tags had good visibility and retention, although further studies are required to assess the longevity of VIFE tag retention in seahorses and to develop possible individual identification using different body locations and elastomer color combinations. The results of the biological studies used to test for effects of tagging also contribute important information on feeding, growth rates behavior and sexual development of H. capensis for whom such information is currently limited.
Tag	Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE)
Objective	Evaluate tags