How to tell if a seahorse is pregnant?

[cynster]

I was wondering how you tell if a seahorse might be pregnant. I don't mean right before they give birth, but maybe towards the beginning of the gestation period. I've seen them as they are giving birth or minutes from giving birth, but I haven't seen any picture of the in between shots.

Here are some pictures of some of my males:



In contrast to one of the females:


Now I don't mean to sound rude, and I don't know the best way to put this: Are they pregnant or fat? Or is this normal for them? They weren't always this big, by the way. They have gotten this big from looking a little more like the female in a matter of a few days.

I'm just glad seahorses don't judge on the fat or pregnant question lol

 

[Bluemon]

im thinking fat. they arent really "fat" its just their breeding pouch. wht kinda of hitching posts are those?

 

[aday2remmbr]

it craves ice cream and sour kraut

 

[cynster]

It's a black sea fan I am planning on eventually replacing it with a fake black sea fan and lots of macroalgae. I'm worried about it rotting someday :<

Thanks for the input. The change is noticeable from when I got them. Maybe they are showing off to the females? Or just eating a lot ._.

 

[timinnl]

If the males start looking like they swallowed a pea. Then you will know for sure.

Tim

 

[namxas]

As mentioned, that's just how a male's pouch looks.

Sometimes males can fool you with a pouch full of water if they've been flirting/displaying, but if you can "candle" the SH by using a flashlight behind the tank (assuming it's a clear back), you can tell if the pouch is "occupied".

Since those are zots, it's really no big deal...the fry will grow right alongside the adults with the same food, so there's no worry about setting up a nursery.

 

[cynster]

Thanks for everyone's input I had a feeling. At least they are eating well

 

[cynster]

Ok - so one of my seahorses is actually pregnant now and it does look like a pea (and I shot a light at his belly and it was orange too) and it's unmistakable He's not any of those either the overlooked small one. lol

 

[timinnl]

Best of luck.