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ANIMAL SPECIES:Leafy Seadragon, Phycodurus eques (Günther, 1865)

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The Leafy seadgragon is one of only 2 seadragon species found in Australian waters. It's leafy appendages allow it to perfectly camoflouge amongst kelp-covered rocky reefs.

Identification

The Leafy Seadragon can be recognised by the leafy appendages on its body. It has a long tubular snout, a pectoral fin on its "neck" and a dorsal fin on its "back".

Similar Species

Weedy Seadragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus

Distribution

This superbly camouflaged fish is endemic to Australian temperate waters. It is known from the southern coastline of Australia, from Kangaroo Island, South Australia to south-western Western Australia.

Habitat

It occurs on kelp-covered rocky reefs in depths from about 3 m to 50 m.

Behaviour and adaptations

Mating and reproduction

The species carries it's eggs attached to the underside of its tail.

Classification

Species:
eques
Genus:
Phycodurus
Family:
Syngnathidae
Order:
Gasterosteiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

Further Reading

  1. Dawson, C.E. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 2 July 2009

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