Does seahorse lay egg or give birth to live young?

Seahorses are unique among all fish species in that the male seahorse is the one who gives birth to live young. After the female seahorse lays her eggs in a pouch on the male's belly, the male fertilizes the eggs and carries them until they are ready to hatch. The gestation period can vary from species to species but typically lasts around 10 to 14 days. Once the eggs hatch, the male seahorse releases the tiny seahorse fry into the water, where they will begin to fend for themselves.