VERTEBRATA 



the " Broad-nosed Pipe-fish " there are folds of skin from 

 the sides which, like an unbuttoned overcoat, fold over 

 and protect the eggs, and in the " Sea-horse " the edges 

 of these folds are joined together, forming a tube, in which 

 the eggs are hatched. 



I have kept specimens in aquaria during this incubatory 

 process, and it is interesting to watch how the young, 

 until they are about an inch or so in length, follow the male 

 parent in a little shoal. 



The origin of this incubatory pouch in the male affords 



Fig. 114. Portion of bony armour of a Pipe-fish. Syugnathus acus 

 Natural size ' 



room for some speculation. It may, perhaps, be traced by 

 observation on other fishes ; for instance, in the blennies 

 and gobies the female attaches the eggs to the under side 

 of stones, and the male fish lies beneath, and takes charge. 

 It is but one step from this to affixing them to the body 

 of the male himself ; then the development of flaps, and 

 their final fusion, in the "Sea-horse," completes this "brood 

 pouch." 



The Syngnathidce are very sluggish in their movements, 

 swimming slowly, in a semi-vertical position. They allow 



