Phycodurus eques
In terms of size and biology, the Leafy Seadragon is slightly larger than its close relative, the common sea dragon, reaching about 35 cm in length. It has an elongated, slender body, and its leaf-like appendages provide it with excellent camouflage in its aquatic environment.
It also has a long, snout-like mouth that it uses to suck up its small prey.
These fish are found in the waters of southern and western Australia, where they inhabit shallow, coastal waters and seagrass beds. They can be found along the southern coast of Western Australia, as well as in areas such as Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.
The diet of the Leafy Seadragon consists primarily of small crustaceans such as mysids and amphipods. It uses its long, snout-like mouth to suck up its prey, and it has specialized gills that allow it to filter out small particles from the water.
In terms of behavior, they are a relatively slow-moving fish that relies on its camouflage for protection. It is a solitary creature and tends to move slowly through the water, using its leaf-like appendages to blend in with its surroundings.
The Leafy Seadragonn is scientifically known as Phycodurus eques, and is the only species in the Phycodurus genus. It is a member of the Hippocampinae subfamily within the Syngnathidae family, and is closely related to Seahorses and Pipefish.
Despite its unique and fascinating appearance, the Leafy Seadragon is considered to be vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and pollution.
