(also Syngnathiformes), an order of small teleost fishes. The pelvic fins are placed far back on the body, and there is a tubular snout. The fishes mainly inhabit tropical and subtropical ocean waters; only a few species are encountered in warm temperate waters. There are six families: Fistula-riidae (cornetfishes), Macrorhamphosidae, Centriscidae (snipe-fishes), Aulostomidae (trumpetfishes), Solenostomidae, and Syngnathidae (pipefishes and seahorses).