syngnathidæ ( g silent)

pl. [Mod. Lat. syn- gnath ( us ); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. -idæ.] 1. Ichthy .: Pipe-fishes; a family of Lophobranch i i; gill-openings reduced to a very small opening near the upper posterior angle of the gill; one soft dorsal fin; ventrals, and sometimes one or more of the other fins, absent. They are small marine fishes, abundant on the coasts of the tropical and temperate zones where the marine vegetation is thick enough to offer them shelter. All the species enter brackish, and some fresh water. There are two groups; Hippo camp in a and Syngnathina (q. v.). 2. Palæont.: From the Eocene of Monte Bolca, and the Miocene of Licata, in Sicily.