I've added some coralline algal encrusted gastropod shells to this animal's tank. It has a texture that is rougher than the nerites that were present before. I've noticed that when in contact with the substrate the young female is now displaying more elaborated papillae as can be seen in this closeup of the body.
Roy, While you are experimenting with environment, have you also added sharp color contrasts? With seahorses, this does not seem to be helpful in getting them to display color change but it would seem we could get the max ceph display this way without stressing the animals.
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