The secret world of seahorses will be revealed in the next In the Wild West lecture at the Western Australian Maritime Museum on Friday, August 17, from 6pm.

Presented by WA Museum Curator of Fishes Dr Glenn Moore, ‘Seahorse tales and pregnant males’ will take the audience on a journey into the everyday life of this highly recognisable but little-known about creature.

“There are a few common confusions regarding seahorses - while it’s quite obvious their relation to horses is purely aesthetic, many people don’t realise seahorses are true fish, just like a salmon or herring,” Dr Moore said.

“They also vary in size from as little as ten millimetres up to 30 centimetres, and come in a range of different colours and shapes.

”The lecture will explain the entire process of seahorse reproduction, from the couple’s first “courtship dance” to the mother’s immediate exit and the father giving birth.

“The seahorse belongs to the Syngnathidae family of fish, known to be the only group in the animal kingdom where the males become ‘pregnant’,” Dr Moore said.

“Why this occurs is a bit of a mystery, and is the subject of ongoing research into seahorse evolution by scientists globally.”

Dr Moore has been studying the biology of the Western Australian Seahorse for more than 15 years, with a primary interest in the evolution, reproduction, behaviour, mate choice and movements of the species.

His research often sees him diving into muddy green water in parts of the Swan River and other local bays.

Entry to this public lecture is by gold coin donation, with bookings essential online at museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest or by phoning 9212 3813.

The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. The series showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences.

LECTURE: ‘Seahorse tales and pregnant males’
WHEN: Friday 17 August, 6pm
WHERE: Western Australian Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest                   ...
COST: By gold coin donation

Niki Comparti, Western Australian Museum, 9212 3840, Niki.Comparti@museum.wa.gov.au