Hello to all! Welcome back to FOTW! Today we are looking at the crazy Leafy Seadragon (Phycodurus eques)! #33
The Leafy Sea Dragon is a close relative of the seahorse and is native to the cooler rocky reefs off the southern and western coasts of Australia. With its leaf-like fins and frilly appendages, the Leafy Sea Dragon is perfectly camouflaged among seaweed and seagrass beds, making it difficult to spot. They are born at around 0.8 inches (20 mm) and within a year can grow up to 7.9 inches (20 cm). They reach maturity within two years.
The Leafy Sea Dragon uses the fins along the sides of its head to steer and turn, but its outer skin is fairly rigid, limiting its mobility. They have been observed remaining in one location for extended periods of time (up to 68 hours), but they can also move for lengthy periods. The tracking of one individual indicated it moved at up to 150 m (490 ft) per hour. They are typically solitary creatures, and when the time comes, males court the females; they then pair up to breed.
Unfortunately, the species is considered near threatened and at risk of extinction due to human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and loss of habitat. Continued conservation efforts are needed to protect this unique and fascinating creature.