442 
Fishes. 
THE CAVALLO-MARINO, OR SEA-HORSE. 
(Hippocampus brevirostris.') 
This is a small fish, of a curious shape. The length 
is from six to ten, and sometimes twelve, inches : the 
head bears some resemblance to that of a horse, whence 
originates its name. A series of longitudinal and trans- 
verse ridges run from the head to the tail, which is 
spirally curved and prehensile. 
The following account of two specimens taken alive 
at Guernsey, in June, 1835, by F. C. Irakis, Esq., is ex- 
tracted from Yarrell's " British Fishes." These creatures 
were kept about twelve days in a glass vessel, and their 
actions were equally novel and amusing. " An appear- 
ance of search for a resting-place induced me," says Mr. 
Lukis, " to consult their wishes, by placing seaweed and 
straws in the vessel : the desired effect was obtained, 
and has afforded me much to reflect upon in their habits. 
They now exhibit many of their peculiarities, and few 
subjects of the deep have displayed, in prison, more sport 
or more intelligence. 
"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, and, when fixed, the animal intently watches 
the surrounding objects, and darts at its prey with the 
greatest dexterity. 
