7 Animals That Carry Their Babies Around in Their Mouths

Some animals carry their young in ways that seem almost unbelievable. While many creatures use nests, burrows or pouches, others protect their babies by keeping them inside their mouths. This unusual behaviour helps vulnerable young animals survive dangerous environments.

1. Cichlid fish: Some cichlid species practise mouthbrooding. A parent collects eggs or newly hatched young inside its mouth. The babies remain protected there until they can swim more independently. When danger appears, they may return to the parent’s mouth.

2. Cardinalfish: Some cardinalfish males carry fertilised eggs inside their mouths. They protect the developing eggs until they hatch, even while going without food during parts of the process.

3. Sea catfish: Certain sea catfish species protect their eggs by holding them in their mouths, reducing the chance that predators will eat them.

4. Arowana fish: Some arowanas are mouthbrooders. The male can carry developing young in his mouth, protecting them during a vulnerable stage.

5. Jawfish: Jawfish are famous for males carrying eggs in their mouths. They gently move the eggs around to keep water flowing over them.

6. Some tilapia: Several tilapia species protect their young through mouthbrooding. The parent can take the babies back into its mouth when danger approaches.

7. Other cichlid relatives: Mouthbrooding has evolved in several fish groups, showing how different species have developed creative ways to protect their offspring.

Final thoughts: For these fish, a parent’s mouth is more than a feeding tool. It can become a temporary nursery that gives their babies a better chance of surviving.

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