Origin
The Leaf-eared Sea Dragon of the species Phycodurus eques is related to the Seahorse (both part of the family Syngnathidae) and represents an excellent camouflage fish, taking advantage of the ornamental fireworks that cover its body to confuse with the landscape and escape predators.
It resembles the seahorse, with an elongated snout and bony body.
As the name suggests, along the body there are a number of leaf-shaped endings that make the fish resemble the seaweed in its habitat.
They are endemic to southern Australia and inhabit rocky reefs and structures colonised by algae. They can be found in shallower coastal waters, reaching up to at least 30 m deep.
Feeding Dragon leaf
Leaf-type sea dragons feed on small organisms such as plankton and marine crustaceans of the order Mysida, absorbing them with the help of their tube-shaped snouts.
Features Dragon leaf
The Sea Dragon has a coloration that varies from yellowish-brown to Green, the differences between individuals being determined by age, diet or location.
The pectoral fins are located on the neck, and the dorsal ones are arranged along the back.
The eyes are positioned above the long snout, and along the sides of the body show a series of defensive spines.
Reproduction Dragon leaf
Leaf-type sea dragons can be seen alone or in pairs, moving with slow movements.
Like seahorses, male dragons carry developing eggs.
The mating season begins in October and ends in March, and the males develop a special "pocket" for the chicks (ventral pouch), located in the lower part of the tail, consisting of a strong vascularized tissue consisting of several "cups", each of which houses an egg.
The female transfers about 120 eggs into this pocket that closes after the transfer, they are fertilized and carried by the male for about a month. When the male is ready to "give birth", he contracts and contorts until he throws the Cubs out of his pocket.
They are about 20 mm long and are very vulnerable, constituting an easy prey. It develops rapidly, reaching the size of an adult after 2 years.
