The secret world of seahorses will be revealed in the next In the Wild West lecture at the Western Australian Museum - Geraldton on November 15 and 16, 2012.
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.
Entry to this public lecture is by gold coin donation, with bookings essential online at museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest or by phoning 9921 5080.
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: Thursday 15 November at 7pm and Friday 16 November at 10am
WHERE: Western Australian Museum - Geraldton Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
COST: By gold coin donation
Media contact:
Niki Comparti
Western Australian Museum
6552 7805
Niki.Comparti@museum.wa.gov.au
