Name: Leafy seadragon
Scientific Name: Phycodurus eques (Günther, 1865)
Family: Syngnathidae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 26-50 cm.
This magnificent fish that exists only in the seas in southern Australia closely resembles seaweed, due to the numerous and branching leaf-shaped appendages that it has along its body. It swims in an undulating form in shallow waters, next to banks of algae, such as kelp and sargassa. It is a master of camouflage, a characteristic that permits it to hunt by ambush! It remains quiet until a prey is within its reach and suddenly, with a rapid movement of the head, sucks it from the water column. These extremely beautiful animals are very sensitive and suffer from excessive pollution and capture. For this reason they are protected by law in Australia.
Photo by:
Abílio Leitão
Seadragons
