2796 



THE BONY FISHES AND GANOIDS 



THE PIPEFISHES AND SEA HORSES Family STNGNATHID^E 



From the members of the preceding family the pipefishes may be distinguished 

 by the reduction of the gill opening to a very small opening at the superior hinder 

 angle of the gill cover, as well as by the single soft dorsal fin, and the absence of 

 the pelvic fins; some of the other fins being likewise wanting in certain genera. 

 Mainly marine, although frequently entering brackish, and more rarely fresh waters, 

 these strange fishes are to be found on the coasts of tropical and temperate seas in 





GREAT PIPEFISH AND SHORT-SNOUTED SEA HORSE. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



such situations as, from the abundance of seaweed, offer them sufficient shelter. 

 They are naturally poor swimmers, and if carried away from protective covert may 

 be borne helplessly out to the open ocean by the action of curreuts. Unlike the 

 tube mouths, the males take charge of the eggs and young, being often provided 

 with a pouch formed by a fold of skin arising from each side of the body and tail, 

 and joined together in the middle line; in. the sea horses this pouch being completely 

 closed, save for a small aperture in front. In this receptacle the eggs are deposited, 

 and remain there till hatched. The typical genus, as well as Siphonostoma, is rep- 



