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Leafy and Weedy SeadragonsThe Leafy and Weedy Seadragon, which are related to the seahorse family, are found only in southern Australian waters. They are fascinating in both appearance and behaviour.
Both species have leaf-like appendages on their heads and bodies. This adaptation helps them to take on the appearance of swaying seaweed, making them difficult to see in the ocean. Seadragons have male mothers - although the female develops the eggs they transfer them to the father where they are fertilised. The father incubates the eggs for four to eight weeks before they hatch. Seadragons are able to change colour depending on age, diet, location and even stress levels.
South Australia exists as the central habitat for these two rare marine creatures, and the Leafy Seadragon, which is afforded some protection, is South Australia's marine emblem. Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula, particularly the Rapid Bay Jetty, are the perfect locations to find them. Seadragons inhabit rocky reefs, seaweed beds, seagrass meadows and structures colonised by seaweed. They feed on plankton, larval fishes and mysid shrimp.
'Leafies' grow to around 30cm long. They have numerous, branching leafy appendages. Adults are usually yellow brown in colour with thin pale dark edged bands. It is possible to identify individual Leafy Seadragons from their distinctive facial markings. 'Weedies' are larger, growing to about 46cm in length and have fewer and smaller leaf-like appendages that occurring singularly or in pairs along the body. Adults are usually reddish in colour with yellow spots and blue-purple bars.
The alert diver might also notice a diversity of related pipefish and pipehorse species! In order to protect these fragile creatures, please ensure that you observe the code of conduct called Diving with Dragons.
