Why do seahorse dads carry the babies?
For grown-ups: the science
Seahorse dads have a special pouch that helps the babies grow before they swim out.
In seahorses, the female transfers eggs into the male's brood pouch. The male fertilizes them, and the pouch provides protection, oxygen exchange, osmoregulation, and nutrients until the young are released.
What about...?
Ask your child's own question
Transcript
A seahorse dad has a little pouch on his tummy. Why does he carry the babies?
A seahorse mom puts her eggs into the dad's pouch. The pouch is a safe place for the eggs to grow.
The dad's pouch gives the growing babies air and food. It also keeps salty ocean water around them.
When the babies are ready, the dad squeezes his pouch. Tiny seahorses swim out into the water.
So seahorse dads carry the babies because their special pouch helps them grow safely.