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
Distribution
Endemic to southern Australian waters, ranging from Wilsons Promontory in Victoria to Jurien Bay in Western Australia. Source

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

2 facilities · 0 individuals

Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955

リーフィーシードラゴンのWikipedia記事に飼育施設として記載 Source

東京都葛西臨海水族園 (Toukyoutokasairinkaisuizokuen)TokyoOpened in 1989

リーフィーシードラゴンのWikipedia記事に飼育施設として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNレッドリストではLC。海草藻場の消失、汚染、違法採集が保全上の課題となる。

Habitat

オーストラリア南部の海藻・海草が茂る沿岸。

Threats

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

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

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