Log In or Register
The leafy sea dragon is a marine fish famous for its spectacular camouflage, which makes it nearly indistinguishable from drifting seaweed. Found exclusively in the temperate coastal waters of southern and western Australia, these delicate creatures are relatives of seahorses and pipefish. They serve as the official marine emblem of the state of South Australia. Their entire bodies are adorned with long, leaf-like protrusions. Interestingly, these "leaves" are used only for disguise and provide no propulsion; they even mimic the swaying motion of plants in the current. They are slow, graceful swimmers that move using small, almost transparent pectoral and dorsal fins. Lacking teeth and a stomach, they use their long, tube-like snouts like a straw to suck up thousands of tiny mysid shrimp and plankton each day. Underneath their leafy exterior, they are protected by hard, bony plates and sharp spines along their bodies.