Leafy Seadragon

The leafy sea dragon (Phycodurus eques) is a marine fish related to the seahorse. The leafy seadragon is one of two species of seadragon; the other being the weedy seadragon. They are a part of a small family of fishes, called Syngnathids, which also include the pipefish and seahorse.

Size: The leafy sea dragon can grow up to 14 to 18 inches long.

Life Span: The Leafy Seadragon can live six to ten years in captivity.

Color: Leafy Seadragon colors range from brown to yellow, with olive-tinted appendages, which allows Leafies to camouflage with seaweed.

Range: Australia

Habitat: Leafy seadragons live among kelp and kelp forests and rocky environments in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean near Australia.

Food: Leafy seadragons feed on plankton, larval fishes and small shrimp-like crustaceans, called mysids.

Reproduction: Females lay up to 120 ruby red eggs that are then fertilized and attached to a special area underneath the tails of male dragons. The eggs stay attached for three to five weeks, and once they hatch, the young are on their own with no parental care.

Fun Facts: These seadragons have leaf-like appendages on their heads and bodies, which serve as camouflage. They are also covered with armor-like plates that are effective in discouraging predators.