The Only Male Animals That Give Birth

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

Image: Pexels

Seahorses and their close relatives, pipefish and sea dragons, are the only male animals that give birth

Image: Pexels

The female seahorse deposits her eggs into the male's pouch. The male fertilises the eggs with his sperm

Image: Pexels

The male incubates the eggs in his pouch for about 20 to 28 days, an gives birth to fully-formed seahorses.

Image: Pexels

The male carries the babies in a pouch on the front of his tail, similar to a kangaroo's pouch. They grow placentas to incubate their young

Image: Pexels

Before mating, both male and female seahorses perform a dance to impress each other. The dance may last for several days

Image: Pexels

When the babies are fully developed, the male seahorse gives birth by contracting the muscles of his pouch to release the young into the water

Image: Pexels

Pipefish are part of the seahorse family and are among the only species where the male incubates the eggs and gives birth

Image: Pexels

Sea dragons are also among the few species where the male is responsible for pregnancy and giving birth

Image: Pexels

Check More Stories

ndtv.com