Phyllopteryx taeniolatus

(Lacepède, 1804)

Vernacular names
English : Weedy seadragon
French : Dragon de mer commun

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

Identification
The species grows to 46 cm in length. Body similar to sea-horses but longer, with long tail and thin snout. Iridescent blue leaf-like appendages on nape, back and tail. Coloration yellow-brown with clear dots and blue markings on belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the eastern Indian Ocean and is endemic to Southern Australia, from New South Wales and Tasmania to south Western Australia. Lives in algae-rich rocky reefs and sandy areas with seagrass, to 50 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is at rick from habitat destruction (both by pollution and sedimentation), especially in areas near cities.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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