THE SEA HORSE. 341 



IN the family to which belongs the SEA DRAGON, 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 color. 



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 com- 

 posed 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 understood by reference to the engraving; its color is yellowish brown. The 

 Pegasus is a Javanese creature. 



SEA HORSE. Hippocampus brevirostris. 



GREAT PIPE OR BlLL-FlSn.-Syagaotbua mcu*. 



THE family of the Syngnathidae 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 maybe 

 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 



