Macrorhamphosidae

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Macrorhamphosidae (snipefish, bellowsfish; subclass Actinopterygii, order Syngnathiformes) A small family of marine tropical and subtropical fish that have a compressed and deep body. The long, stout second spine of the dorsal fin and the long, tubular snout are characteristic. The fish have large eyes and short fins, and the body is partially enclosed in armour (consisting of bony plates). Macrorhamphosus elevatus (common bellowsfish), 15 cm, of S. Australia often moves in large schools at depths of 25–160 m. There are about 11 species, distributed world-wide.