Why does the leafy seadragon look like seaweed?

Its body is covered in branching, leaf-shaped skin protrusions that mimic drifting algae, camouflaging it from predators and prey.

Where do leafy seadragons live?

They are found only in cool coastal waters of southern Australia, from Victoria's Wilsons Promontory to Jurien Bay in Western Australia.

Do male leafy seadragons carry the eggs?

Yes, females lay their eggs onto a brood patch on the male's tail, and he protects them until the young can swim independently.

Leafy Seadragonリーフィーシードラゴン

Phycodurus equesLC— Least Concern

The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is a seahorse relative endemic to the cool coastal waters of southern Australia, from Wilsons Promontory in Victoria to Jurien Bay in Western Australia. Its body is covered in branching, leaf-like skin protrusions that camouflage it as drifting seaweed, while males carry and guard the eggs on a brood patch until they hatch. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and serves as the official marine emblem of South Australia.

Leafy Seadragon (reference photo) — Photo: Wendy Rathey / CC BY 2.5 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Syngnathiformes / Syngnathidae Source
Size: Body length about 20–40 cm
Diet: Planktivore Uses its tubular snout to suck in seawater along with zooplankton, small fish, amphipods, and mysid shrimp
Distribution: Endemic to southern Australian waters, ranging from Wilsons Promontory in Victoria to Jurien Bay in Western Australia. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Its body is covered in branching, leaf-like skin protrusions that mimic drifting seaweed, camouflaging it from predators and prey alike. Source
Females deposit their eggs onto the male's brood patch, and he guards them until the young can swim on their own; the eggs themselves are sometimes camouflaged with real algae. Source
It has been designated the official marine emblem of the state of South Australia. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2

Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955

Source

Tokyo Sea Life ParkTokyoOpened in 1989

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why does the leafy seadragon look like seaweed?: Its body is covered in branching, leaf-shaped skin protrusions that mimic drifting algae, camouflaging it from predators and prey. Source
Where do leafy seadragons live?: They are found only in cool coastal waters of southern Australia, from Victoria's Wilsons Promontory to Jurien Bay in Western Australia. Source
Do male leafy seadragons carry the eggs?: Yes, females lay their eggs onto a brood patch on the male's tail, and he protects them until the young can swim independently. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org