It is known that seahorses have unusual tails, and now a team of researchers with the help 3D printer developed models of the distinctive appendages so that they could test their structure. This led to a new discovery that researchers belie could have far-ranging consequences in technology.

Researchers during the study discovered that tails of seahorses are composed of a series of square prisms that are connected by joints, and each of the segments of the tail is shielded by tiny bony plates.

Researchers said in a statement that this shape is highly unusual, as the tail segments found in most of the animals are cylindrical.

Oregon State University researchers jointly with colleagues from Clemson State further wanted to know if the square shape of these tails served any advantage to the aquatic animals.

In order to find these researchers created models of the different tails of seahorses, as well as of a theoretical cylindrical version of the appendage. Each of the objects was subjected to physical stresses, including crashing into other objects.

Ross Hatton from Oregon State University said, “Human engineers tend to build things that are stiff so they can be controlled easily. But nature makes things just strong enough not to break, and then flexible enough to do a wide range of tasks”.

Researchers said seahorses are a type of fish, but they lack in undertaking powered swimming. Researchers found that the unusual shape of the tail structures provides great flexibility, and were proved better in returning to its normal shape as compared to the rounded version of the appendage.