Syngnathiformes

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Syngnathiformes (class Osteichthyes, subclass Actinopterygii) An order of somewhat peculiar fish that have a small, toothless mouth at the end of a tube-like snout. The body is at least partly protected by a number of bony plates or rings, and the fins are generally small. The order includes about six families, e.g. Aulostomidae (trumpetfish) and Syngnathidae (pipefish). Most are marine but there are a few freshwater species.