Leafy seadragon
Named after the dragons of Chinese mythology, Leafy
seadragons (Phycodurus eques) resemble a piece
of drifting seaweed as they float in the seaweed-filled
water. The Leafy seadragon, with green, orange and gold
hues along its body, is covered with leaf-like appendages,
making it remarkably camouflaged. Only the fluttering
of tiny fins or the moving of an independently swiveling
eye, reveals its presence.
Like the seahorse, the male seadragon carries
as many as 150-200 eggs. After being deposited by the
female, the eggs are carried in the honeycomb-shaped area
(known as the brood patch) under the male's tail for approximately
eight weeks. Seadragons have no teeth or stomach and feed
exclusively on mysidopsis shrimp. Known as "Australian
seahorses" in Australia, they are found in calm,
cold water that is approximately 50-54° F (10-12° C).
Leafy seadragons have been protected by the South Australian
government since 1982.
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