Exceptional Mother Nature and her wonders. Mr.Mom by tempeste Story/Prose Poem contest entry

Of all sea creatures big and small the seahorse to me is one of the strangest of them all. Master of camouflage they can change colour to blend within the sea grass , mangrovers and corals. They have a snout and two eyes that poke out 4 tiny fins that slowly propel them about but often they gladly glide with the flow while in search for the perfect match. Lovers court, dance, spin and swirl for hours then finally the lady gives her partner a nudge and while their tails are tightly clutched she deposits her eggs in the male's pouch. There fertilisation and development occur then 21 days later papa 's belly contracts expelling the newborn. The fry then drift away busy eating plankton on their way. Humans are seahorses worst enemies 150 million pregnant males die each year in favour of ancient Chinese remedies. Caught and hung to dry in the torrid sun they wriggle painfully until death comes. Wanted as cute pets or charming souvenirs this species will become instinct within 30 years. This hideous trade must stop at once if we want these quaint creatures to have an ounce of a chance. Author Notes 150 million is not a miss print ..what man will do for profit....people in this despicable trade are not even willing to wait until the pregnant fathers give birth. The eggs ,as many as 2,000 at the time are fertilised by the male as they enter his pouch and rest their (depending on the species from 10 to 25 days) until they are ready to be born..they are immediately self-sufficient. Newborn seahorses are called: fry.

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