Phycodurus eques

(Günther, 1865)

Vernacular names
English : Leafy seadragon
French : Dragon de mer feuillu

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Syngnathiformes
Family : Syngnathidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 35 cm in length. Unmistakable species. Long curved body, long snout. Body covered with leaf-like appendages providing excellent camouflage. Coloration is generally light beige to yellow with faint blue stripes.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the eastern Indian Ocean and is endemic to Southern Australia. Lives with seagrass and kelp, over rocky or sandy bottoms, to 30 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very small range and is affected by pollution and, previously, by overcollection. It is now protected.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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