The Leafy Seadragon (Phycodurus eques is one of the most majestic animals of the marine world. The species is endemic to Australia and is the only species in its genus. It can be found in the waters of South Australia and can also sometimes be found in the waters off western Victoria and the southern part of Western Australia. They are generally found in areas that have a good coverage of seagrasses, kelp or Ecklonia weed. It is generally found at depths of 4 to 30 metres. In Winter adults may come together in shallow bays to pair up and eventually mate. Similar to the Weedy Seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) the males will carry the eggs.The Leafy Seadragon is a master of camouflage. It resembles a piece of floating weed and therefore predators such as other fish species don’t notice it. As it is a master of camouflage it can be very difficult for divers to notice it; a diver will often be staring straight at it and not realise what it is. It is one of the most beautiful creatures to photograph and divers must keep their distance so they are not disturbed. The Leafy Seadragon grows to a maximum size of approximately 35cm. | ||||||
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