Habitat and distribution At Rapid Bay jetty Another unique feature is the small, circular gill openings covering tufted gills, very unlike the crescent-shaped gill openings and ridged gills of most fish species. It differs from the seahorse in appearance, form of locomotion, and its inability to coil or grasp things with its tail.Ī related species is the weedy seadragon, which is multicoloured and grows weed-like fins, but is smaller than the leafy seadragon. The leafy seadragon is related to the pipefish and belongs to the family Syngnathidae, along with the seahorse. It can also change colour to blend in, but this ability depends on the seadragon's diet, age, location, and stress level. It is able to maintain the illusion when swimming, appearing to move through the water like a piece of floating seaweed. The lobes of skin that grow on the leafy seadragon provide camouflage, giving it the appearance of seaweed. They feed on plankton and small crustaceans. While not large, they are slightly larger than most seahorses, growing to about 20–24 cm (8–9.5 in). Much like the seahorse, the leafy seadragon's name is derived from its resemblance to another creature (in this case, the mythical dragon). The generic name Phycodurus is derived from the Greek words φῦκος phûkos "seaweed" and δέρμα derma "skin". Popularly known as "leafies", they are the marine emblem of the state of South Australia and a focus for local marine conservation. These small fins are almost completely transparent and difficult to see as they undulate minutely to move the creature sedately through the water, completing the illusion of floating seaweed. The leafy seadragon propels itself by means of a pectoral fin on the ridge of its neck and a dorsal fin on its back closer to the tail end. These protrusions are not used for propulsion they serve only as camouflage. The name is derived from their appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. It is the only member of the genus Phycodurus in the family Syngnathidae, which includes seadragons, pipefish, and seahorses. The leafy seadragon ( Phycodurus eques) or Glauert's seadragon, is a marine fish.
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