Sea Moths
Sea Moths
Sea moths are small fish of the family Pegasidae, order Pegasiformes, subclass Actinopterygii, class Osteichthyes. They are characterized by hardened bodies and very large wing-like pectoral fins, which make them look like moths. They are found only in tropical Indian and West Pacific Oceans where they live mainly on sandy bottoms and feed on benthic invertebrates. There are about two genera and five species, of which Pegasus volitans is typical and reaches about 6 in (15 cm) in length. The body of sea moths is oddly shaped, broad and flat in front, tapering towards the tail. They seem to be encased in rings of bony plates like armor. The snout is pronounced and at times resembles a duckbill. They are also called dragonfish. Recently the demand for sea moths for use in medicinal treatments of respiratory ailments and cancer in China and Hong Kong has exerted pressure on these species.
Sea Moths
Sea moths
Sea moths are small fish of the family Pegasidae, order Pegasiformes, subclass Actinopterygii, class Osteichthyes. They are characterized by very large wing-like pectoral fins, which make them look like moths. They are found only in tropical Indian and West Pacific Oceans where they live mainly on sandy bottoms. There are about six species , of which Pegasus volitans is typical and reaches about 6 in (15 cm) in length. The body of sea moths is oddly shaped, broad and flat in front, tapering towards the tail. They seem encased in rings of bony plates like in an armor. The snout is pronounced and at times resembles a duck bill. They are also called dragonfish.