LOPHOBRANCHIATI. 177 



and a dorsal, but no ventrals nor tail-fin ; an anal 

 only in the female. The tail is taper and pointed, 

 and has the power of grasping. They are said to 

 be very amusing in captivity. "When swimming 

 about, they maintain a vertical position ; but the 

 tail is ready to grasp whatever meets it in the water, 

 quickly entwines in any direction round the weeds, 



SEA-HORSE (Hippocampus Antiquorum}. 



and, when fixed, the animal intently watches the 

 surrounding objects, and darts at its prey with great 

 dexterity. When two approach each other, they 

 often twist their tails together, and struggle to sepa- 

 rate, or attach themselves to the weeds ; this is done 

 by the under part of their cheeks or chin, which is 

 also used for raising the body when a new spot is 



i 5 



