LEAFY SEA DRAGON FACTSHEET Did you know? This superbly camouflaged fish usually occurs in kelp-covered rocky reefs at depths from about 3 m to 50 m. It is usually found in areas ranging from shallow estuaries to deep offshore reefs (Pogonoski et.al., 2002).Depths range from 1 m - 50 m (Pogonoski et.al., 2002). Habitat. Think that’s just seaweed? Adult common seadragons are a reddish colour, with yellow and purple markings; they have small leaf-like appendages that resemble kelp fronds providing camouflage and a number of short spines for protection. But human activity, particularly over the last few decades, has finally The common seadragon or weedy seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) is a marine fish related to the seahorses. The leafy sea dragon is a fish that is related to the seahorse. Unlike their brethren, the seahorses, who have scales, the Leafy Seadragon has armor-like, jointed plates. Its specific name also refers to one of the most basic physical characteristics of the animal, that is, long leaf-like projections that come from all over the body.

They use these to defend themselves and their offspring from threats that can eat them by stabbing the threat with the spines. Many people are unaware that seahorses and seadragons are in fact fish. The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) or Glauert’s seadragon is a marine fish related to the seahorses.. Leafy seadragons are found along the southern and western coasts of Australia.. They resides in areas with clear water, lower light conditions, and prominent vegetation. For centuries people have regarded them as an inexhaustible supply of food, a useful transport route, and a convenient dumping ground - simply too vast to be affected by anything we do.

Posted March 4, 2016 by Bec J. Smith in Friday's Fun Facts 1. Its specific name also refers to one of the most basic physical characteristics of the animal, that is, long leaf-like projections that come from all over the body. Leafy sea dragon, one of the weirdest animals on the planet earth, is the only surviving member of the genus Phycodurus which has been named after the dragons of the Chinese mythology. [2] [3] The Weedy Sea Dragon can grow to about 46 cm. Threats The leafy sea dragons inshore sea grass habitat is increasingly under threat from pollution and excessive run-off of fertiliser and urban drains from the mainland. A leafy sea dragon usually inhabits areas of sea grass and sand because this provides more protection than open water. ... the introverted Leafy Sea Dragon. Leafy sea dragons are some of the best-camouflaged creatures on the planet.

Unlike their brethren, the seahorses, who have scales, the Leafy Seadragon has armor-like, jointed plates. Males have narrower bodies and are darker than females. That’s right, you read that correctly, ... Because of limited distribution and threats to their habitat, leafy sea dragons are a protected species. They have evolved some interesting adaptations to life in the sea. A leafy sea dragon is a type of fish that is found along certain areas of the coast of Australia. The common seadragon or weedy seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) is a marine fish related to the seahorses.Adult common seadragons are a reddish colour, with yellow and purple markings; they have small leaf-like appendages that resemble kelp fronds providing camouflage and a number of short spines for protection.

Look again. The body of the Leafy Seadragon is … Despite its fearsome name, it is incredibly beautiful in shape and colouring and its camouflaging appendages give it a fragile appearance.