Tiny Sea Horses Dazzle at Zoo Basel
January 26, 2014
Dozens of tiny Pot-bellied Sea Horses cling to underwater plants at Switzerland's Zoo Basel. These itty-bitty babies, native to the coastal waters of Australia, will grow to about 13 inches long as adults.
Photo Credit: Zoo Basel
Like all Sea Horses, females of this species lay their eggs into a brood patch on the males. The males then carry the eggs for about a month, and the babies hatch and swim off on thier own. Hundreds of baby Pot-Bellied Sea Horses may hatch at one time, a strategy that ensures that at least a few of these vulnerable babies will grow into adulthood.