21 Jun 5 Fabulous Fathers of the Marine Ecosystem
Here are 5 awesome ocean dads:
1. Seahorses
Seahorse dads are perhaps the most recognised dads in the animal kingdom. They are not only monogamous but also the only dads in the world that get pregnant. After a “dancing ritual,” female seahorses can lay up to 2,000 eggs in the male’s pouch. The male seahorses protect the growing eggs until the babies are ready to be released into the wild, with the mother continually checking up on her mate and the eggs.
2. Emperor Penguins
After laying her eggs, female emperor penguins embark on long hunting trips. This leaves the male penguin in charge of their eggs for months while the mother is away. To ensure the safety of their babies, the fathers often forgo eating. These devoted fathers sacrifice fat, which is their primary source of warmth that helps them endure the cold in the Antarctic region. The responsibilities are shared by both the parents once the mother is back and the chicks are born.
3. Clownfish
This dynamic duo is all about teamwork. Clownfish parents are careful caretakers even before the eggs are laid, often cleaning an anemone to protect themselves and their developing babies. Clownfish dads proactively clean their eggs once they are laid and fertilised, and both parents fan them with water that is rich in oxygen to ensure the best chances of survival.
4. Sea Spiders
You wouldn’t think sea spiders were caring fathers, but they actually have an extra pair of legs they use specifically to carry their eggs. After female sea spiders lay eggs, the fathers carry the eggs until they hatch. They then let their babies crawl all over them and live with them until they are strong enough to go their own way.
5. Cardinalfish
These mouthbrooders are only found in the tropical waters off the coast of a group of islands in Indonesia. Once Cardinalfish eggs are fertilised, the fathers scoop them all in his mouth for protection. They may slowly starve during this period and only spit out the eggs occasionally to clean them and ensure there is enough oxygen.
Life under (and even beyond) the sea has its challenges, but one thing is true across all life forms: we come into the world with no knowledge of how to go about it, and seeking guidance, love, and protection is universal. Let’s take inspiration from these awesome ocean parents and spread love and care, especially for the young ones. When family units thrive with love, it is enough to propel more nurturing communities in the world.
Learn more and help support us in protecting our oceans and saving our marine ecosystems. Send us an email at info@plasticfree.ae to join the movement.
Reem is the content executive at plasticfreeuae and the go-to source for everything sustainable in the UAE who strongly believes that mindsets can be changed through words.
