Syngnathidae

Common seadragon

Phyllopteryx taeniolatus

Four weeks courting before carrying the eggs

• Green
• Orange
• Yellow
• Temperate
• Globally widespread
• Marine fish
• Other
• Medium
• Temperate fish

Resembling a floating frond of crimson algae, the common seadragon (or weedy seadragon) is a magnificent, highly camouflaged syngnathid endemic to the cool kelp reefs of southern Australia. Its elongated, slender body is encased in segmented ring armor and accented by delicate, paddle-like leafy appendages extending from the nape, spine, and tail. The body displays a rich reddish-orange to purple base hue, decorated along the flanks with sunny yellow freckles and crossed over the chest by radiant, iridescent purple-blue vertical bars. Small, transparent dorsal and pectoral fins propel the fish in graceful slow motion, while the tail lacks prehensile capability. Distributed along the temperate coastlines of southeastern and southwestern Australia, including Tasmania, it thrives in kelp forests (Ecklonia radiata), seagrass beds, and rocky reefs between three and fifty meters depth. A deliberate ambush micro-carnivore, it snaps its tubular snout forward to swallow swarming mysid shrimps and amphipods. Males carry hundreds of pink eggs embedded on their tail brood patch until hatching. Maximum total length attains forty-six centimetres.

Sources: Australian Museum — Common (Weedy) Seadragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus