| Seamoths | |
|---|---|
| Short dragonfish, Eurypegasus draconis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gasterosteiformes |
| Family: | Pegasidae |
| Genera | |
The seamoths are a family, the Pegasidae, of fish found in coastal tropical waters.
They are distinguished by flattened bodies, the presence of large, wing-like, pectoral fins, and a body encased in thick, bony plates. Most species also have an elongated snout in front of their jaws. Their pelvic fins are also modified, allowing them to "walk" across the sea bottom where they live. Their jaws are highly specialised, and can form a tube-like mouth used to suck worms and other small animals from their burrows.[1]
The family contains two genera and five species.
Family Pegasidae