Weedy Seadragon

This near threatened Weedy Seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) is endemic to Australia. As with other members of the seahorse/seadragon family, it is the males responsibility to incubate the eggs which they keep on the underside of the lower abdomen and tail (see video). When born, juveniles are normally brown in colouration with small leaf-like appendages, as they mature they turn a deep orange to red colour also sporting bright blues, yellows and pinks. Usually found around kelp close to the sand line. 

Size: Maximum length of 45 cm

Diet: Small benthic crustaceans