When Seahorse Fathers Give Birth

Transcript

After fertilisation, the eggs move into the male seahorse’s specialised brood pouch, where they develop.

The female transfers those fertilised eggs into his pouch, placing the father at the centre of brooding.

Inside the pouch, the developing eggs receive oxygen and protection from the surrounding environment.

This brooding period lasts between fourteen and twenty-eight days.

Then the male releases live young, called fry, into the water.

Unlike ordinary mammalian pregnancy, this seahorse father carries the fertilised eggs and later releases the young.