Name: Commom seadragon, weedy seadragon
Scientific Name: Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Lacepède, 1804)
Family: Syngnathidae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 11-25 cm.
This spectacular fish, with small leaf-shaped appendices along its body, is found only in Australian waters. The common seadragon does not have scales but is covered by several bony plates. This armour is quite effective in protecting it against predators. The seadragon is a master of camouflage, gliding graciously through shallow waters, next to banks of algae and sea grass meadows. The male transports and incubates the eggs in its tail for about 8 weeks, until the juveniles hatch. These extremely beautiful animals are quite delicate and are subject to excessive pollution and capture. For this reason they are protected by law.
Photo by:
Abílio Leitão
Seadragons
