Pegasidae

Pegasidae is a family of marine fishes in the order Gasterosteiformes, commonly known as sea moths or dragonfishes. These fishes are characterized by their unique body shape and appearance, resembling miniature seahorses or dragonflies.

Common Names

Members of the Pegasidae family are commonly known as:

  • Sea moths
  • Dragonfishes

Characteristics

Pegasid fishes exhibit several distinctive characteristics:

  • Body shape: Flattened and triangular, with a bony, armor-like body.
  • Head: Long snout with a small, terminal mouth.
  • Fins: Pectoral fins are large and wing-like, used for swimming and maneuvering.
  • Coloration: Typically brown, gray, or mottled with spots and stripes.
  • Size: Small, ranging from 5 to 15 cm in length.

Environments

Sea moths inhabit shallow, coastal waters in tropical and subtropical regions. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms with abundant seaweed and seagrass.

References

For more information on Pegasidae, please refer to the following websites: