In these 6 animals, it’s actually the male that gives birth to a young one!

2. Pipefish

Closely related to seahorses, pipefish (Syngnathidae family) also feature male pregnancy. Depending on the species, males either carry the fertilized eggs externally on their bodies or inside a brood pouch. The pouch provides nutrients and oxygen, ensuring the embryos’ safe development.

3. Sea Dragons

Sea dragons (Phycodurus eques and Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) are another group of fish where males give birth. Unlike seahorses, male sea dragons do not have a fully enclosed brood pouch. Instead, they carry fertilized eggs on the underside of their tails, protecting them until they hatch.

Sea dragons (Phycodurus eques and Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) are another group of fish where males give birth (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

4. Dusky Pipefish

A specific type of pipefish, the dusky pipefish (Syngnathus floridae), is an interesting case of male pregnancy. These fish have an advanced brood pouch that closely regulates oxygen levels for the developing embryos, making them one of the most complex examples of paternal pregnancy.

5. Gulf Pipefish

The Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) is another male-pregnant species where males develop an intricate pouch that functions much like a mammalian placenta, controlling the nutrient exchange with the growing embryos. This showcases how male pregnancy has evolved to improve offspring survival.

6. Ribboned Pipefish

Ribboned pipefish (Haliichthys taeniophorus) are a rare species within the pipefish family that have adapted a unique male pregnancy system. Like other pipefish, the males carry and nurture the eggs, ensuring their young have a higher survival rate once they hatch.