Solenostomidae

Solenostomidae is a family of venomous marine fish in the order Syngnathiformes. They are commonly known as spiny pipefishes or cardinalfishes. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, long snouts, and spines that cover their skin. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.

Solenostomidae fish are relatively small, typically ranging in length from 15 to 30 centimeters. They have a slender build, with a flat head and a long, pointed snout. Their bodies are metallic in color, often with a distinctive pair of elongated, dark-colored markings along their back. They have no dorsal fin, but do have a pair of small dorsal spines and a large caudal fin.

The Solenostomidae family is thought to have evolved from a common ancestor with the pipefish family (Syngnathidae) around 100 million years ago. Members of the Solenostomidae are ovoviviparous, meaning they produce eggs that hatch inside the mother's body and the young are nourished by the mother before being born. This unique reproductive strategy is shared with a few other species in the order Syngnathiformes.

Despite their appearance, Solenostomidae fish are not considered to be of great commercial value. However, they are popular among aquarium hobbyists, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Members of the Solenostomidae are also of interest to scientists and researchers due to their unique reproductive habits and the limited knowledge that exists about their biology and ecology.