CLASS PISCES. 561 



Solenostoma ', Seb. and Lacep., 



Differ principally from the syngnathi in having large 

 ventrals behind the pectorals, united together, and to 

 the trunk, so as to form a kind of apron, which serves 

 to retain the eggs, like the pouch of the syngnathi. 

 They have also a, dorsal with five rays, but elevated, 

 and situated near the nape. Another very small, on 

 the origin of the tail, and a large pointed caudal. In 

 other respects, they greatly resemble hippocampus. 



But one species is known, from the Indian Seas, 

 Fistularia paradoxa, Pall., Spic. VIII. iv. 6. 



Pegasus, L., 



Have a salient muzzle formed of the same pieces as 

 the preceding, but the mouth, instead of being at its 

 extremity, is under its base. It reminds us a little of 

 that of the sturgeon by its protractility, but it is com- 

 posed of the same bones as in ordinary fishes. The 

 body of these pegasi is cuirassed, as in hippocampus 

 and solenostoma ; but their trunk is broad, depressed, 

 the aperture of the gills is on the side, and there are 

 two distinct ventrals behind the pectorals, which are 

 often large, and have given rise to the name of the 

 genus. The dorsal and anal are opposite one another. 

 The intestine being lodged in a broader and shorter 



1 Solenostoma., (funnel-mouthed) from (tw\i\v, a tube, and rrrofia, 

 mouth. 



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