Top Animal Dad: Male Seahorse Sports Baby Bump

06/20/2011

And I'm Spent: Male Seahorse Takes One for the Team

The male Seahorse tops our list of amazing animal dads and here's why: not only is he monogamous, but Pops The Sea Pony is actually the one who gets PREGNANT, carrying up to 1,000 babies at a time!

The mating process begins with a dancing courtship ritual of sorts with the female Seahorse eventually laying hundreds of eggs inside the male, which he then helps fertilize himself during the process. This papa-to-be also loves to show off his rounded belly, proudly displaying the brood pouch he uses for carrying his young. 

"Honey, Where's Junior #98?"

However, before anyone nominates the male Seahorse for Father of the Year, you might want to know that this dad has been known to go all Hannibal Lecter on us and eat a few of his offspring as well. Wha?! Excuse me? Eating.. the... kids? Was there nothing in the refrigerator? 

Check out the videos below to see this amazing creature in action! Click here to see other amazing animal dads on Animal Planet!