2.Body is more or less elongated having an exoskeleton of enlarged plates.
3.Head is produced into small and tubular snout.
4.The mouth is small, terminal, toothless and suctorial, lying at the extremity of the snout. Eyes are lateral in position.
5.Gill- slit is reduced to a very small opening near the upper posterior angle of the operculum.
6.Pectoral fins are very small. Single dorsal fin having 16- 20 rays. Ventral fins are absent.
7.Tail is long and not prehensile, with a poorly developed rounded caudal fin.
8.Male possesses a brood pouch on the ventral side of the abdomen. In the brood pouch eggs are retained until they hatch as young ones, thus, exhibiting parental care.
9.Syngnathus is found mainly in the Oceans of India and China. It also inhibits Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
10.Syngnathus is a marine fish found in brackish waters. Fish swims in a vertical position.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
