SEAHORSE

(Hippocampus abdominalis).

This quaint little fish is not uncommon around seaweed-covered rocks in shallow water throughout New Zealand. It grows to 5 or 6 in. in height and is usually greenish-grey mottled with brown. The body is narrow and strongly cross-ridged on the sides. The resemblance of the head to that of a horse is most marked, and the likeness is further strengthened by a well-formed neck and prominent chest. The tail, however, is coiled and used for attachment to seaweeds, where the little fish awaits its tiny crustacean victims, which are sucked into its tubular mouth.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.