Knysna seahorse  (Hippocampus capensis)

Biology

Seahorses have a remarkable method of reproduction; the female transfers her eggs into the male's pouch during mating. The eggs are fertilised within the pouch and embryos develop, embedded in the tissue lining the pouch wall of the 'pregnant' male (2). For the Knysna seahorse, the gestation period is around 2 - 3 weeks after which time the male ejects his offspring who are then extremely vulnerable, receiving no further parental care (2).

Seahorses have no teeth and no stomach, using camouflage to ambush prey, they then swallow items whole (2). They are not particularly mobile creatures, being propelled forward only with the dorsal fin(2).

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