"Originally published in German as Crazy Horse: Launische Faulpelze, gefräßige Tänzer und schwangere Männchen: die schillernde Welt der Seepferdchen by Till Hein"--t.p.verso

Prologue: The great individualists of the seas -- Seahorse whisperer : the aquarium keeper in Germany -- Rainbow creature : why tail fins are overrated -- How it all began : finding the primeval seahorse -- Bringing up baby : stages of life, favorite hangouts, and mobility -- How much horsepower does Poseidon's chariot have? : myth and popular culture -- Lazybones are good hunters : the stealth trick -- Chatting : why seahorses can't keep their mouths shut -- Underwater ballet : love, sex, and partnership -- William is in labor again : the mystery of male pregnancy -- What makes a man a man? : seahorses and emancipation -- Taxonomic jungle : how many seahorse species are there? -- My friend the seahorse : aquarium keeping -- Viagra with fins : the seahorse as a remedy -- Learning from seahorses : robotics & co. -- Terminal trawl? : the human threat -- To the refuge! : protection -- Workhorses : seahorse power to end the crisis? -- Of giants and dwarfs : a guide to the coolest horses of the sea

"In this entertaining and informative book, science writer Till Hein shares the most tantalizing findings from the world of seahorses, opening up some of the secrets of these magical creatures of the sea. He reveals their intriguing biological features, such as their unique prehensile tails, their fins, and their lack of a stomach (seahorses only have intestines!). He speaks to experts about the fossil record of prehistoric seahorses, and examines their unique hunting strategy involving suction through their tubular (and toothless) snout. But the most unique aspect of the seahorses is their reproductive cycle, as it is the male of the species who becomes pregnant. Seahorses have become icons in feminist and transgender male communities for the way they can reshape human cultural notions of masculinity and fatherhood. Endlessly fascinating and charmingly approachable, The Curious World of Seahorses will captivate any reader looking to learn more about one of the most incredible creatures on Earth."--

Issued also in electronic format

In English, translated from the German