Where do weedy seadragons live?

They are endemic to Australia, found only along its southern coastline in rocky reef and kelp/seaweed habitats at depths of roughly 10-30 m.

How is a weedy seadragon different from a seahorse?

Unlike seahorses, it lacks a prehensile tail for gripping onto structures, and instead drifts through the water, relying on leaf-shaped appendages for camouflage among seaweed.

What is the conservation status of the weedy seadragon?

It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss, degradation, and pollution posing the main threats.

Weedy Seadragonウィーディーシードラゴン

Phyllopteryx taeniolatusVU— Vulnerable

The weedy seadragon is a slow-drifting, leaf-festooned relative of the seahorse found only in Australian waters, so well camouflaged among kelp and seaweed that it can be nearly invisible to predators and divers alike.

Weedy Seadragon (reference photo) — Photo: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Syngnathiformes / Syngnathidae Source
Size: Grows to about 45 cm at maximum
Lifespan: Said to be up to about 6 years
Diet: Planktivore Preys on tiny crustaceans and zooplankton, sucking them in with water through its tubular snout
Distribution: Endemic to Australian coastal waters, inhabiting rocky reefs and seaweed beds along the southern coastline at depths of about 10-30 m. Source
Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

The weedy seadragon is the official marine emblem of the Australian state of Victoria. Source
Unlike seahorses, weedy seadragons lack a prehensile tail and instead drift among kelp and seaweed, relying on leaf-like appendages to camouflage themselves. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 2

Sunshine AquariumTokyoFrom Ikebukuro Station (Exit 35), walk along Sunshine 60 Street.

Source

Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (VU)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving: Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei: Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

Where do weedy seadragons live?: They are endemic to Australia, found only along its southern coastline in rocky reef and kelp/seaweed habitats at depths of roughly 10-30 m. Source
How is a weedy seadragon different from a seahorse?: Unlike seahorses, it lacks a prehensile tail for gripping onto structures, and instead drifts through the water, relying on leaf-shaped appendages for camouflage among seaweed. Source
What is the conservation status of the weedy seadragon?: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with habitat loss, degradation, and pollution posing the main threats. 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