Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of small marine fish: "Genus Hippocampus" is the scientific name for the genus comprising all species of seahorses. These are small, upright-swimming fish characterized by a horse-like head, a prehensile tail, and bony-plated bodies.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Hippocampus" is a formal, scientific term used primarily in biology, zoology, and taxonomy. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• In standard English, the common name "seahorse" is used to refer to any member of this genus.
• The term is always written in italics () in scientific contexts to denote a genus name.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The marine biologist is studying the unique reproductive behavior of Genus Hippocampus.
  • Several new species within Genus Hippocampus have been discovered in coral reefs.
  • All seahorses belong to the genus Hippocampus.

Advanced Usage

• Binomial Nomenclature: In the formal naming system, a species is identified by its genus and species name. For example, the lined seahorse is .
  • The dwarf seahorse, Hippocampus zosterae, is native to the Bahamas and Florida.*

Variants and Related Words

• Hippocampus (n): The singular form, used interchangeably with "genus Hippocampus" in scientific literature.
• Seahorse (n): The common English name for any fish of the genus .
• Syngnathidae (n): The biological family name that includes seahorses () and pipefish.

Synonyms

• Seahorses (n): The common, non-scientific term for the group of fish classified under Genus Hippocampus.

Noun

1. seahorses