SEA HORSE. Hippocampus breviroiiric. 



GREAT PIPE OR BILL-FISH. Sfngtiathus 



IN the family to which belongs the SEA DKAGON, the breast is developed in a wonderful 

 manner, being always broader than deep, and in some cases the breadth very much 

 exceeding the depth. The mouth is set under the projecting snout in a manner like that 

 of the sturgeon, and the pectoral fins are extremely large and strong, reminding the 

 observer of the same members in the flying gurnards. This seems to be a rather variable 

 species both in form and colour. 



The PEGASUS does not possess pectoral fins of such great size as the preceding species, 

 but is yet a very remarkable fish. It is rather long-bodied, and the tail is composed of 

 twelve rings. The much elongated snout is flat and thin, and is furnished on its upper 

 edge with short spines directed backwards. The general aspect of its form can be under- 

 stood by reference to the engraving ; its colour is yellowish brown. The Pegasus is a 

 Javanese creature. 



THE family of the Syngnathidse is represented by several British species. 



The SEA HORSE is common in many European seas, and is sometimes captured on the 

 British coasts. In all these fishes there is only one dorsal fin, set far back, and capable of 

 being moved in a marvellous fashion, that reminds the observer of a screw-propeller, and 

 evidently answers a similar purpose. The tail of the Sea Horse, stiff as it appears to be 

 in dried specimens, is, during the life of the creature, almost as flexible as an elephant's 

 proboscis, and is employed as a prehensile organ, whereby its owner may be attached to 

 any fixed object. The two specimens represented in the engraving are shown in the 

 attitude which the creatures are fond of assuming. The head of the Sea Horse is wonder- 



