Leafy and Weedy Seadragons

Weedy Seadragon

There are many amazing animals out there with astonishing camouflage capabilities. The stick insect and the mimic octopus are great examples. Two animals that caught my attention are the Leafy and Weedy Seadragons.

The Leafy and Weedy Seadragons are found in reefs off the coasts Australia and are closely related to seahorses. They are elusive animals that feed on tiny crustaceans, zooplankton, and sometimes small fish and shrimp. The Leafy Seadragon can grow up to 24 cm while the larger Weedy Seadragon can grow up to 45 cm.

Leafy Seadragon

Perhaps what's most amazing about these creatures is their outwardly appearance, especially the Leafy Seadragon. With its many leaf-like outcroppings on its body, and its floating-like way of swimming, the Leafy Seadragon greatly resembles a floating piece of seaweed. Mixed in with a bunch of real seaweed, the Leafy Seadragon is almost indiscernible.

Like seahorses and pipefish, male seadragons nurture and protect the eggs until they hatch. Infant seadragons are completely independent afterwards. It is estimated that only about 5% of the infants survive.