Sea
Horse
Sea
Horse, any of a number of small fishes of the same family
as the pipefish.
The
name is derived from the resemblance of the head to that
of a horse. It has long, tubular jaws much like a snout.
The
body is compressed, with an elongated tail, and the integument
(external covering) is a series of large, rectangular bony
plates, with a series of spines and projections along the
lines of juncture. These spines, together with the divided,
streamerlike fins of some species, give them a strong resemblance
to the seaweeds among which they live.
About
30 species are found in various warm and temperate seas.
All keep near the shore, often developing in brackish water.
Like
the pipefishes, the males take charge of the eggs, which
are placed in an abdominal pouch and remain there until
they hatch.
The
common sea horse of the Atlantic coast of North America
is one of the largest species, reaching a length of more
than 13 cm (more than 5 in).
Scientific
classification: Sea horses make up the genus Hippocampus
in the family Syngnathidae. The common sea horse is classified
as Hippocampus hudsonius.
"Sea
Horse," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000 http://encarta.msn.com
© 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Photo
© K.B. Sandved/Visuals Unlimited
