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Seahorse Lovebirds

Preview Two thorny seahorses sit back to back underwater.
(Bettina Balnis/Guylian Seahorses of the World 2010, Courtesy Project Seahorse)

Most wild seahorses (here the thorny seahorse Hippocampus histrix) are monogamous and some species mate for life. Searching for mates can be difficult and risky since seahorses are poor swimmers, found in low densities and rely on camouflage to hide from predators. By remaining faithful to one partner, the pairs have more time to undergo more pregnancies during a single mating season and, ultimately, have greater reproductive success. The pair-bonds of monogamous seahorses are reinforced by daily greetings. Find out 10 things you never knew about seahorses in our slideshow.