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ANIMAL SPECIES:Weedy Seadragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Lacépède, 1804)

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The species is related to the seahorses. Unlike seahorses however, the seadragons do not have a pouch for rearing the young. Instead, male seadragons carry the eggs fixed to the underside of the tail.

Identification

The Weedy Seadragon has a long pipe-like snout with a small terminal mouth. Large females become deep bodied. The common name refers to the leaf-like appendages on the body.

Size range

The species grows to 46 cm in length.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australian temperate marine waters. It occurs from the central New South Wales coast around the south coast of Australia to south-western Western Australia.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Weedy Seadragon specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

This superbly camouflaged fish usually occurs in kelp-covered rocky reefs at depths from about 3 m to 50 m.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

The species feeds on mysids and other small crustaceans.

Mating and reproduction

Male seadragons carry the eggs fixed to the underside of the tail until they eventually hatch.

Conservation Status

The Weedy Seadragon is protected in New South Wales waters.

Classification

Species:
taeniolatus
Genus:
Phyllopteryx
Family:
Syngnathidae
Order:
Gasterosteiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Seahorses, Pipefishes and their Relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Syngnathiformes. TMC Publishing Pp. 240.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 11 September 2009

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A Weedy Seadragon at Flinders Pier

A Weedy Seadragon at Flinders Pier View full size
Sascha Schulz © Sascha Schulz

The head of a Weedy Seadragon

The head of a Weedy Seadragon View full size
Sascha Schulz © Sascha Schulz

A Weedy Seadragon with eggs at Portsea Pier

A Weedy Seadragon with eggs at Portsea Pier View full size
Sascha Schulz © Sascha Schulz

A Weedy Seadragon amongst the sea weed

A Weedy Seadragon amongst the sea weed View full size
Sascha Schulz © Sascha Schulz

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