Published Article

ABSTRACT

The order syngnathiformes consists of an assemblage of unique, fascinating, delicate, decorative, and elusive fishes belonging to the families Syngnathidae (seahorses, pipehorses, seadragons, pipefishes), solenostomidae (ghost pipefishes) and Pegasidae (seamoths). Syngnathids are found in shallow tropical and warm termperate waters, living in seagrass beds, estuaries, coral reefs or mangrove areas. They possess thick plates of bony armour covering their bodies. Depending on the environment, syngnathids can be highly variable in colour and shape, with some having the ability to change colour in minutes or grow additional skin to mimic sea grasses and sea weeds they inhabit. After sybngnathid females lay their eggs the males fertilize and carry the eggs during incubation using several methods. In sea horses reproduction in contrary to norms: The female deposits her eggs inside the male's brood pouch where they are incubated for weeks. Eventually, the male goes into labour and gives birth to a brood of babies. Report incidates that the number of seahorses is declining worldwide due to over exploitation for medicinal use and as ornamental items, despite CITES trade regulations.

KEYWORD: Syngnayhidae, Seahorses