What's the point in trying to keep different species?

[ThePurple12]

This might be a stupid, ignorant question, but I'm just curious.

I've always wondered why people care which seahorse species they keep, as they all look the same except for some minor changes. Obviously there are some differences between species such as abdominalis growing to be very large and erectus being easy to breed.

So, for those of you who keep seahorses other than erectus (most common and cheapest), why did you decide to go with your species over erectus?

 

[rayjay]

For me it was sometimes buying what was available at the time here in Canada.
Also, to me, they DO have their differences be it colour potential or shape or personalities.
Over 18 yrs, I've had reidi, angustus, barbouri, comes, zoestera, abdominalis and erectus and I've loved them all but do have favorites.
With lack of availability to get anything other than Asian imports with low success rates from stores that keep them in systems connected to other fish, my abs and barbs I imported from Australia and while expensive it was worth it.

 

[Weasel1960]

I have been studying up on them both here and at the web site below. Alyssa has a great website and is very responsive to emails.

Alyssa's Seahorse Savvy

Welcome to Seahorse Savvy. We are a Maryland Seahorse Farm producing high quality captive bred Seahorses for retail and wholesale markets.

seahorsesavvy.com

 

[Doctorgori]

I like Reidi for the size and color. but they are similar to erectus somewhat. OTOH H.Comes seemed less personable (if thats a even a real thing)...
....