How do sea horses and pipefishes differ from many animals in parental care?

In the context of reproductive behaviour, seahorses and pipefishes differ from many other animals—and most fish species—because the males, rather than the females, assume the primary role of brooding the offspring.123

In these species, the female deposits her eggs into a specialized brood pouch or onto the undersurface of the male’s tail. The male then fertilizes the eggs and carries them through their development, which can last from 10 days to six weeks. During this period, the male actively nurtures the developing young by regulating the chemical environment within the pouch, providing nutrients and oxygen, and even breaking down proteins contributed by the female.4251

While this unique strategy provides significant protection during the early stages of development, it is important to note that once the male gives birth to the live young, the parents provide no further care, leaving the offspring to fend for themselves.453