VERTEBRATA 263 



Syngnathus typhle resembles this, but is rather smaller, 

 and can at once be distinguished by the flattened form of 

 the snout, which is also broader than in its relative. 



Syngnathus ophidion (the "Snake Pipe-fish") is also 

 frequently taken with the latter. It is sometimes two 

 feet long, or even more. It is of more rounded form, and 

 has no tail fin. 



A species termed the " Ocean Pipe-fish " (S. Mquorea) is 

 also described. It is said to closely resemble the last, only 

 to be of more oval section in the body. I am sceptical as 

 to its being a separate species to the last-named. 



The " Worm Pipe-fish " (S. lumbriciformis) is a small 

 species, with a short head and snout. It is seldom more 

 than six inches long. It is of rounded section, and dark 

 brown in colour. This one is more frequently met with 

 under stones than in the open. 



The " Sea-horse " (Hippocampus brevirostris), dried speci- 

 mens of which are familiar objects at the shops of dealers 

 in shells, etc., is sometimes, not often, taken on our 

 shores, usually in the shrimping net, when this is worked 

 over sandy ground, where there is a stunted growth of 

 Zostera and bits of fucus growing from pebbles. On one 

 occasion I had a haul of five, which has proved the sum- 

 total of my captures of the species. 



Its being a pipe fish is readily apparent by the tubular 

 snout, etc., but it is shorter, and stouter bodied. The tail 

 is always twisted into a coil. The shape of the head, and 

 its position relative to the body, has suggested its fanciful, 

 popular name. 



A peculiar arrangement in the Syngnathidce is that the 

 males are furnished with means of supporting the eggs 

 when these are deposited by the female. 



In the " Snake Pipe-fish " and the little " Worm Pipe- 

 fish " the eggs are firmly cemented to the under side of 

 the body, in an even layer. In the " Great Pipe-fish " and 



