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{{Taxobox
| name = Leafy seadragon
| status = NT | status_system = IUCN3.1
| trend = unknown
| image = Leafy_Seadragon_Phycodurus_eques_2500px_PLW_edit.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Actinopterygii]]
| ordo = [[Syngnathiformes]]
| familia = [[Syngnathidae]]
| subfamilia = [[Syngnathinae]]
| genus = '''''Phycodurus'''''
| genus_authority = [[Theodore Gill|T. N. Gill]], 1896
| species = '''''P. eques'''''
| binomial = ''Phycodurus eques''
| binomial_authority = ([[Albert C. L. G. Günther|Günther]], 1865)
| range_map = Phycodurus eques range map.png
| range_map_caption = ''Phycodurus eques'' range
}}

The '''leafy seadragon''' or '''Glauert's seadragon''',<ref name="IUCN">{{cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/17096/0|title=Phycodurus eques|publisher=IUCN Red List of Threatened Species|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> ''Phycodurus eques'', is a marine [[fish]] in the family [[Syngnathidae]], which also includes the [[seahorse]]s. It is the [[monotypic|only member]] of the genus '''''Phycodurus'''''.

It is found along the southern and western coasts of [[Australia]]. The name is derived from the appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as [[camouflage]]. 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 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]].

Popularly known as "leafies", it is the marine emblem of the state of [[South Australia]] and a focus for local marine conservation.<ref name = "Yankalilla">{{cite web|url=http://www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Leafy_Sea_Dragon_Information.pdf|title=The Leafy Sea Dragon|publisher=Yankalilla Visitor Information Centre|format=PDF}} Retrieved 17 August 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sea-dragon/?source=A-to-Z|title=Leafy and Weedy Sea Dragon|publisher=Animals.NationalGeographic.com|accessdate=9 December 2011}}</ref>

==Description==

Much like the [[seahorse]], the leafy seadragon's name is derived from its resemblance to another creature (in this case, the mythical [[Chinese dragon|dragon]]). While not large, they are slightly larger than most seahorses, growing to about 20–24&nbsp;cm (8–10&nbsp;in). They feed on [[plankton]] and small crustaceans.

[[File:Leafy Seadragon.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Leafy Seadragon]]

The lobes of skin that grow on the leafy seadragon provide [[camouflage]], giving it the appearance of seaweed.<ref>Cott, Hugh (1940). ''Adaptive Coloration in Animals''. Oxford University Press. pp. 341–342.</ref> It is able to maintain the illusion when swimming, appearing to move through the water like a piece of floating seaweed. It can also change colour to blend in, but this ability depends on the seadragon's diet, age, location, and stress level.

The creature feeds by sucking up small crustaceans, such as [[Amphipoda|amphipods]] and [[Mysida|mysid shrimp]], [[plankton]], and larval fish through its long, pipe-like snout.<ref name = "Yankalilla" />

Leafy Seadragons usually live a solitary lifestyle. When the time comes, males court the females, they then pair up to breed. From the moment they hatch, leafy seadragons are completely independent. By the age of two they are typically full grown and ready to breed.<ref name="NEAQ">{{cite web| author=New England Aquarium| title=Leafy Sea Dragon | publisher=New England Aquarium Animals and Exhibits| accessdate=2013-07-09| url= http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/animals/sea_dragons/}}</ref>
The leafy seadragon is related to the [[pipefish]] and belongs to the family [[Syngnathidae]], along with the seahorse. It differs from the seahorse in appearance, form of locomotion, and its inability to coil or grasp things with its tail.
A related species is the [[Phyllopteryx|weedy seadragon]], which is multi-coloured and grows weed-like fins but is smaller than the leafy seadragon. Another unique feature are small,circular gill openings covering tufted gills, very unlike the crescent shaped gill openings and ridged gills of most fish species (Lourie 1999).{{citequote|date=March 2013}} Current research at the [[Scripps Institution of Oceanography]] is investigating the evolutionary relationships of the Syngnathidae<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1463-6409.2010.00449.x/abstract|last1=Wilson|first1=N. G.|last2=Rouse|first2=G. W.|date=2010|title=Convergent camouflage and the non-monophyly of ‘seadragons’ (Syngnathidae: Teleostei): suggestions for a revised taxonomy of syngnathids|publisher=''Zoologica Scripta''|volume=39|pages=551–558|accessdate=9 December 2011|doi=10.1111/j.1463-6409.2010.00449.x}}</ref> and the DNA variation of the two seadragon species across their ranges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spineless.ucsd.edu/Research_dragon.html|title=Seadragon Phylogeography|publisher=Scripps: Marine Invertebrates Phylogenetics Lab|accessdate=9 December 2011}}</ref>

===Reproduction===

As with seahorses, the male leafy seadragon cares for the [[egg (biology)|eggs]]. The female produces up to 250 bright pink eggs, then deposits them on to the male's tail via a long tube. The eggs then attach themselves to a brood patch, which supplies them with oxygen. It takes a total of nine weeks for the eggs to begin to hatch, depending on water conditions. The eggs turn a ripe purple or orange over this period, after which the male pumps its tail until the infants emerge, a process which takes place over 24–48 hours. The male aids in the babies hatching by shaking his tail, and rubbing it against seaweed and rocks. Once born, the infant seadragon is completely independent, eating small [[zooplankton]] until large enough to hunt [[mysids]]. Only about 5% of the eggs survive. Leafy seadragons take about 28 months to reach sexual maturity.<ref name="sims" >{{cite web
|url=http://www.sims.org.au/research/seadragonsuts.cfm
|title=Life History of the Weedy Sea Dragon
|date=9 September 2008
|work=Research
|publisher=Sydney Institute of Marine Science
|accessdate=2008-10-13
}}</ref>

===Movement===

The leafy seadragon uses the fins along the side of its head to allow it to steer and turn. However, its outer skin is fairly rigid, limiting mobility. Individual leafy seadragons have been observed remaining in one location for extended periods of time (up to 68 hours) but will sometimes move for lengthy periods. The tracking of one individual indicated it moved at up to 150 metres (490&nbsp;feet) per hour.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Connolly|first1= R. M.|last2=Melville|first2= A. J.|last3=Preston|first3= K. M.|year=2002|title=Patterns of movement and [[habitat]] use by leafy seadragons tracked ultrasonically. |journal=Journal of Fish Biology |publisher=Blackwell|location=Oxford|issue=61|pages=684–695.}}</ref>

===Threats===

Leafy seadragons are subject to many threats, both natural and man-made. They are caught by collectors, and used in [[alternative medicine]]. They are vulnerable when first born, and are slow swimmers, reducing their chance of escaping from a predator. Seadragons are often washed ashore after storms, as unlike their relative the seahorse, seadragons cannot curl their tail and hold into seagrass to stay safe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zooaquarium.org.au/Leafy-Seadragon/default.aspx|title=Zoo and Aquarium Association Inc|publisher=zooaquarium.org.au|accessdate=8 August 2008}}</ref>

The species have become endangered through [[pollution]] and industrial runoff as well as collection by fascinated divers who are entranced by their unique appearance. In response to these dangers the species has been totally protected in South Australia since 1987, [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] since at least 1995 and [[Western Australia]] since 1991. Additionally, the species' listing in the [[Government of Australia|Australian Government]]'s ''[[Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999]]'' means that the welfare of the species has to be considered as a part of any developmental project.<ref name="IUCN"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Protected Aquatic and Priority Species|url=http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries/about-fisheries/legislation-and-regulation/protected-aquatic-priority-species|publisher=Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia|accessdate=29 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 - SECT 248|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/epabca1999588/s248.html|publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute|accessdate=29 April 2013}}</ref>

===Habitat===

The leafy seadragon is found only in southern Australian waters, from [[Wilson’s Promontory]] in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] at the eastern end of its range, westward to [[Jurien Bay, Western Australia|Jurien Bay]], {{Convert|220|km|mi|abbr=on|}} north of [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] in [[Western Australia]].<ref name="IUCN"/><ref name="Storrie">{{cite book|last=Morrison|first=Sue|author2=Storrie, Ann|title=Wonders of Western Waters|publisher=[[Department of Conservation and Land Management]]|location=[[Como, Western Australia]]|year=1999|pages=112|isbn=0-7309-6894-4}}</ref> It was once thought that individuals had very restricted ranges; however, further research has discovered that seadragons will actually travel several hundred metres from their habitual locations, returning to the same spot using a strong sense of direction. They are mostly found over sand patches in waters up to 50 metres (164&nbsp;feet) deep, around kelp-covered rocks and clumps of sea grass.<ref name = "Yankalilla" /> They are commonly sighted by scuba divers near [[Adelaide]] in South Australia, especially at [[Rapid Bay, South Australia|Rapid Bay]], [[Edithburgh, South Australia|Edithburgh]] and [[Victor Harbor, South Australia|Victor Harbor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/leafy-sea-dragon|title=Leafy sea dragon|publisher=Underwater Photography Guide Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Victor Harbour (sic)|url=http://www.nevillecoleman.com.au/dive-travel-destinations--scuba-diving---snorkeling/australia-diving/south-australia/victor-harbour/|work=Underwater Australia|publisher=Neville Coleman|accessdate=13 February 2013|author=Neville Coleman|author2=Nigel Marsh}}</ref>

==In captivity==

Due to being protected by law, obtaining seadragons is often an expensive and difficult process as they must be from captive bred stock, and exporters must prove their broodstock were caught before collecting restrictions went into effect, or that they had a license to collect seadragons. Seadragons have a specific level of protection under federal fisheries legislation as well as in most Australian states where they occur.<ref name="IUCN" /> Seadragons are difficult to maintain in aquaria. Success in keeping them has been largely confined to the public aquarium sector, due to funding and knowledge that would not be available to the average enthusiast. Attempts to breed the leafy seadragon in [[captivity (animal)|captivity]] have so far been unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paula|last=Branshaw-Carlson|section=Seadragon husbandry in the new millennium: Lessons learned from the past will create a sustainable future|url=http://www.sheddaquarium.org/pdf/CON1105_Symposium_Body.pdf|title=The Husbandry, Management and Conservation of Syngnathids|website=sheddaquarium.org|format=PDF|publisher=5th International Zoo and Aquarium Symposium|place=Chicago|date=1–4 November 2011|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref>

===Australia===

Australian aquaria featuring leafy seadragons include the [[Sydney Aquarium]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/explore/southern-oceans/leafy-sea-dragon/|title=Southern Oceans: Leafy Sea Dragon|publisher=Sydney Aquarium|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[Melbourne Aquarium]], and the [[Aquarium of Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aqwa.com.au/media/pdf/Leafy%20Seadragon.pdf|title=Aquarium of Western Australia|publisher=aqwa.com.au|format=PDF|accessdate=8 August 2011}}</ref>

===Canada===
[[Ripley's Aquarium of Canada]] in Toronto displays both leafy and weedy seadragons.<ref>[http://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/galleries/the-gallery/ Ripley's Aquarium of Canada > The Gallery] Accessed 29 March 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2013/10/17/aquarium-toronto-ripleys-aquarium-canada/3002657/|title=Discover underwater wonders at Toronto's new aquarium|first=Candyce H.|last=Stapen|date=October 17, 2013|publisher=USA TODAY}}</ref>

===United States===

A number of aquaria in the United States have leafy seadragon research programs or displays. Among these are the [[Adventure Aquarium]] in Camden, New Jersey,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g46340-d135399-i1217178-Adventure_Aquarium-Camden_New_Jersey.html|title=Adventure Aquarium|publisher=Trip Advisor}}</ref> [[Aquarium of the Pacific]] at Long Beach,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/leafy_seadragon|title=Online Learning Center: Leafy Seadragon|publisher=Aquarium of the Pacific|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[Birch Aquarium]] at Scripps, San Diego,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Exhibits/Seahorses/|title=There's something about seahorses|website=aquarium.ucsd.edu|publisher=[[Birch Aquarium]]|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[Minnesota Zoo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mnzoo.org/blog/animals/sea-dragons-leafy-weedy/|title=Sea Dragons: Leafy and Weedy|publisher=[[Minnesota Zoo]]|website=mnzoo.org|accessdate=14 February 2014}}</ref> the [[Monterey Bay Aquarium]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/AnimalDetails.aspx?enc=n3f4wmcSJaMOCtHyd6DEPA==|title=Leafy sea dragon|publisher=[[Monterey Bay Aquarium]]|accessdate=6 September 2011}}</ref> in California, the [[Dallas World Aquarium]], Texas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dwazoo.com/aquarium-exhibit/?page=4|title=Exhibits of Southern Australia|publisher=Dallas World Aquarium|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[New England Aquarium]], Boston,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/animals/sea_dragons/index.php|title=Animals and Exhibits: Leafy Seadragon|publisher=[[New England Aquarium]]|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium]] in Tacoma, Washington,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pdza.org/page.php?id=114|title=Aquariums|publisher=Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[Shedd Aquarium]], Chicago,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheddaquarium.org/pdf/publicrelations/cons_seahorses.pdf|title=Shedd Aquarium Rides Herd On Seahorse Conservation|publisher=[[Shedd Aquarium]]|format=PDF|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> the [[California Academy of Sciences]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://calacademy.org/join/pdfs/summer_08_member_pub.pdf|title=Live from the California Academy of Sciences|date=Summer 2008|publisher=[[California Academy of Sciences]]|format=PDF|accessdate=8 January 2013}}</ref> the [[Tennessee Aquarium]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnaqua.org/OurAnimals/Fishes/LeafySeadragon.aspx|title=Leafy Seadragon|publisher=[[Tennessee Aquarium]]|accessdate=6 April 2012}}</ref> [[Sea World Orlando]], Florida{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} and the [[Georgia Aquarium]], Atlanta.<ref name="tripadvisor-atlanta">{{cite web|url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g60898-d588792-i45120398-Georgia_Aquarium-Atlanta_Georgia.html|publisher=Trip Advisor|title=Leafy Seadragon at the Atlanta, GA Aquarium
- Picture of Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta}}</ref>

==Cultural references==

The leafy seadragon is the official marine emblem of the state of South Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.premcab.sa.gov.au/emblems/dragon1.htm|title=Leafy Seadragon|publisher=Government of South Australia: Insignia and Emblems|accessdate=19 July 2011}}</ref> It also features in the logos of the following South Australian associations&nbsp;— the Adelaide University Scuba Club Inc. and the [[Marine Life Society of South Australia|Marine Life Society of South Australia Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Adelaide University Skindiving Club|url=http://www.adelaidescuba.com/|publisher=The Adelaide University Skindiving Club|accessdate=24 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssa.asn.au/|title=Marine Life Society of South Australia|publisher=mlssa.asn.au|accessdate=8 August 2011}}</ref>

A biennial [[Leafy Sea Dragon Festival]] is held within the boundaries of the [[District Council of Yankalilla]] in South Australia. It is a festival of the environment, arts and culture of the southern [[Fleurieu Peninsula]], with the theme of celebrating the leafy seadragon. The inaugural festival in 2005 attracted over 7,000 participants including 4000 visitors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leafy Sea Dragon Festival|url=http://www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=596|publisher=District Council of Yankalilla|accessdate=13 February 2013}}</ref>

In 2006 an animated short film, ''The amazing adventures of Gavin, a Leafy Seadragon'', was made on behalf of several South Australian organisations involved in conserving the marine environment, including the Coast Protection Board, the [[Department for Environment and Natural Resources (South Australia)|Department of Environment and Heritage]] and the Marine Discovery Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinediscoverycentre.com.au/Marine_Discovery/resources/Newsletter_3_06a.pdf|title=Newsletter|issue=3-06|publisher=Marine Discovery Centre|format=PDF|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=3603|title=Press release 13/6/2006: ''State's Marine emblem stars in new film''|date=13 June 2006|publisher=Department of Premier and Cabinet|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/19851376|title=The amazing adventures of Gavin a leafy seadragon|publisher=National Library of Australia|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref> Made through a collaboration of [[The People's Republic of Animation]], Waterline Productions and the [[South Australian Film Corporation|SA Film Corporation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safilm.com.au/MadeInSa/Detail.aspx?pro=215|title=The amazing adventures of Gavin, a Leafy Seadragon|publisher=SA Film Corporation|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref> the film is an introductory guide to marine conservation and the marine bioregions of South Australia suitable for 8-12 year olds,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reefwatch.asn.au/PDF/Issue_9_2.pdf|title=Reef Watch: Newsletter|issue=9.2|date=June 2006|publisher=reefwatch.asn.au|format=PDF|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref> and copies were distributed on DVD to all primary schools in the State. An educator's resource kit to accompany the film was released in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinediscoverycentre.com.au/Marine_Discovery/resources/Newsletter_3_08.pdf|title=Marine Discovery Centre > Newsletter 3-08|publisher=MarineDiscoveryCentre.com.au|format=PDF|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=3603|title=Press release 24/8/2008: ''Gavin goes to school''|publisher=Department of Premier and Cabinet|date=24 August 2008|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref>

This animal was the basis of [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Dragalge_%28Pok%C3%A9mon%29 Dragalge] from Generation 6 of the Pokemon Series.{{verify source|date=November 2013}}

This animal also has two pages devoted to it in [[Michael Hearst|Michael Hearst's]] book, ''Unusual Creatures'' where all of the unusual things about it are listed.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=tS1FLyPj2BkC&pg=PA64&lpg=PA64&dq=unusual+creatures+michael+hearst+leafy+sea+dragon&source=bl&ots=u8bdrnrQse&sig=Vn8w-1Wusw0Clv3c2INJoUZ3_kA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8D7jUsG8FNSssASM2IDIAg&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=unusual%20creatures%20michael%20hearst%20leafy%20sea%20dragon&f=false|title=Unusual Creatures|first=Michael|last=Hearst}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Phyllopteryx|Weedy seadragon]]

==References==
{{Reflist|33em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Phycodurus eques}}
'''Australia'''
* [http://australianmuseum.net.au/Leafy-Seadragon-Phycodurus-eques Australian Museum > Leafy Seadragon] Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://www.mlssa.asn.au/cgi-bin/db_name.cgi?db=fish&search=common_select&common=leafy+seadragon Marine Life Society of South Australia > Leafy Seadragon photos] Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://www.reefwatch.asn.au/dsPhotoLibrary.html Reef Watch > Dragon Search > Photo Library] Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20090106163948/www.seadragonfoundation.org/Phycodurus%20eques.htm Seadragon Foundation Inc > Leafy Seadragon] Archived from the original webpage. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
* [http://www.underwater.com.au/article.php/id/6631 Underwater Australasia > Vanishing Dragon] Article on making of a documentary film and DVD. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuI4ncViU4Y/ Leafy sea dragon documentary film "The Vanishing Dragon" Scuba diving in South Australia], Retrieved 9 January 2013.

'''International'''
* [http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/full_description/leafy_seadragon/%20 Aquarium of the Pacific > Online Learning Center > Leafy Seadragon] Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://www.leafyseadragons.net Leafy seadragon information]
* [http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Phycodurus-eques.html FishBase > ''Phycodurus eques'' (Günther, 1865), Leafy seadragon] Retrieved 17 August 2011.
* [http://www.fusedjaw.com/conservation/keep-a-watchful-eye-on-the-sea-dragons-of-southern-australia/ Fused Jaw > Keep a Watchful Eye on the Sea Dragons of Southern Australia] Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://www.divegallery.com/Leafy_Sea_Dragon.htm Jeffrey N. Jeffords, Dive Gallery > Leafy Sea Dragons] Photo and multimedia gallery. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=31 MarineBio Conservation Society > ''Phycodurus eques'', Leafy Sea Dragons] Retrieved 8 August 2011.
* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/17096/0/ Phycodurus eques] - IUCN database entry includes a range map and a lengthy justification of why this species is near threatened.

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leafy Sea Dragon}}
[[Category:Syngnathidae]]
[[Category:Fish of Australia]]
[[Category:Emblems of South Australia]]
[[Category:Monotypic fish genera]]

Revision as of 15:47, 9 May 2014

Leafy seadragon
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Syngnathiformes
Family:
Syngnathidae
Subfamily:
Syngnathinae
Genus:
Phycodurus

Species:
P. eques
Binomial name
Phycodurus eques
(Günther, 1865)
Phycodurus eques range

The leafy seadragon or Glauert's seadragon,[1] Phycodurus eques, is a marine fish in the family Syngnathidae, which also includes the seahorses. It is the only member of the genus Phycodurus.

It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. The name is derived from the appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as camouflage. 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 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.

Popularly known as "leafies", it is the marine emblem of the state of South Australia and a focus for local marine conservation.[2][3]

Description

Much like the seahorse, the leafy seadragon's name is derived from its resemblance to another creature (in this case, the mythical dragon). While not large, they are slightly larger than most seahorses, growing to about 20–24 cm (8–10 in). They feed on plankton and small crustaceans.

Leafy Seadragon

The lobes of skin that grow on the leafy seadragon provide camouflage, giving it the appearance of seaweed.[4] It is able to maintain the illusion when swimming, appearing to move through the water like a piece of floating seaweed. It can also change colour to blend in, but this ability depends on the seadragon's diet, age, location, and stress level.

The creature feeds by sucking up small crustaceans, such as amphipods and mysid shrimp, plankton, and larval fish through its long, pipe-like snout.[2]

Leafy Seadragons usually live a solitary lifestyle. When the time comes, males court the females, they then pair up to breed. From the moment they hatch, leafy seadragons are completely independent. By the age of two they are typically full grown and ready to breed.[5] The leafy seadragon is related to the pipefish and belongs to the family Syngnathidae, along with the seahorse. It differs from the seahorse in appearance, form of locomotion, and its inability to coil or grasp things with its tail. A related species is the weedy seadragon, which is multi-coloured and grows weed-like fins but is smaller than the leafy seadragon. Another unique feature are small,circular gill openings covering tufted gills, very unlike the crescent shaped gill openings and ridged gills of most fish species (Lourie 1999).[This quote needs a citation] Current research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is investigating the evolutionary relationships of the Syngnathidae[6] and the DNA variation of the two seadragon species across their ranges.[7]

Reproduction

As with seahorses, the male leafy seadragon cares for the eggs. The female produces up to 250 bright pink eggs, then deposits them on to the male's tail via a long tube. The eggs then attach themselves to a brood patch, which supplies them with oxygen. It takes a total of nine weeks for the eggs to begin to hatch, depending on water conditions. The eggs turn a ripe purple or orange over this period, after which the male pumps its tail until the infants emerge, a process which takes place over 24–48 hours. The male aids in the babies hatching by shaking his tail, and rubbing it against seaweed and rocks. Once born, the infant seadragon is completely independent, eating small zooplankton until large enough to hunt mysids. Only about 5% of the eggs survive. Leafy seadragons take about 28 months to reach sexual maturity.[8]

Movement

The leafy seadragon uses the fins along the side of its head to allow it to steer and turn. However, its outer skin is fairly rigid, limiting mobility. Individual leafy seadragons have been observed remaining in one location for extended periods of time (up to 68 hours) but will sometimes move for lengthy periods. The tracking of one individual indicated it moved at up to 150 metres (490 feet) per hour.[9]

Threats

Leafy seadragons are subject to many threats, both natural and man-made. They are caught by collectors, and used in alternative medicine. They are vulnerable when first born, and are slow swimmers, reducing their chance of escaping from a predator. Seadragons are often washed ashore after storms, as unlike their relative the seahorse, seadragons cannot curl their tail and hold into seagrass to stay safe.[10]

The species have become endangered through pollution and industrial runoff as well as collection by fascinated divers who are entranced by their unique appearance. In response to these dangers the species has been totally protected in South Australia since 1987, Victoria since at least 1995 and Western Australia since 1991. Additionally, the species' listing in the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 means that the welfare of the species has to be considered as a part of any developmental project.[1][11][12]

Habitat

The leafy seadragon is found only in southern Australian waters, from Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria at the eastern end of its range, westward to Jurien Bay, 220 km (140 mi) north of Perth in Western Australia.[1][13] It was once thought that individuals had very restricted ranges; however, further research has discovered that seadragons will actually travel several hundred metres from their habitual locations, returning to the same spot using a strong sense of direction. They are mostly found over sand patches in waters up to 50 metres (164 feet) deep, around kelp-covered rocks and clumps of sea grass.[2] They are commonly sighted by scuba divers near Adelaide in South Australia, especially at Rapid Bay, Edithburgh and Victor Harbor.[14][15]

In captivity

Due to being protected by law, obtaining seadragons is often an expensive and difficult process as they must be from captive bred stock, and exporters must prove their broodstock were caught before collecting restrictions went into effect, or that they had a license to collect seadragons. Seadragons have a specific level of protection under federal fisheries legislation as well as in most Australian states where they occur.[1] Seadragons are difficult to maintain in aquaria. Success in keeping them has been largely confined to the public aquarium sector, due to funding and knowledge that would not be available to the average enthusiast. Attempts to breed the leafy seadragon in captivity have so far been unsuccessful.[16]

Australia

Australian aquaria featuring leafy seadragons include the Sydney Aquarium,[17] the Melbourne Aquarium, and the Aquarium of Western Australia.[18]

Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto displays both leafy and weedy seadragons.[19][20]

United States

A number of aquaria in the United States have leafy seadragon research programs or displays. Among these are the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey,[21] Aquarium of the Pacific at Long Beach,[22] the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego,[23] the Minnesota Zoo,[24] the Monterey Bay Aquarium[25] in California, the Dallas World Aquarium, Texas,[26] the New England Aquarium, Boston,[27] the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington,[28] the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago,[29] the California Academy of Sciences,[30] the Tennessee Aquarium,[31] Sea World Orlando, Florida[citation needed] and the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta.[32]

Cultural references

The leafy seadragon is the official marine emblem of the state of South Australia.[33] It also features in the logos of the following South Australian associations — the Adelaide University Scuba Club Inc. and the Marine Life Society of South Australia Inc.[34][35]

A biennial Leafy Sea Dragon Festival is held within the boundaries of the District Council of Yankalilla in South Australia. It is a festival of the environment, arts and culture of the southern Fleurieu Peninsula, with the theme of celebrating the leafy seadragon. The inaugural festival in 2005 attracted over 7,000 participants including 4000 visitors.[36]

In 2006 an animated short film, The amazing adventures of Gavin, a Leafy Seadragon, was made on behalf of several South Australian organisations involved in conserving the marine environment, including the Coast Protection Board, the Department of Environment and Heritage and the Marine Discovery Centre.[37][38][39] Made through a collaboration of The People's Republic of Animation, Waterline Productions and the SA Film Corporation,[40] the film is an introductory guide to marine conservation and the marine bioregions of South Australia suitable for 8-12 year olds,[41] and copies were distributed on DVD to all primary schools in the State. An educator's resource kit to accompany the film was released in 2008.[42][43]

This animal was the basis of Dragalge from Generation 6 of the Pokemon Series.[verification needed]

This animal also has two pages devoted to it in Michael Hearst's book, Unusual Creatures where all of the unusual things about it are listed.[44]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Phycodurus eques". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  2. ^ a b c "The Leafy Sea Dragon" (PDF). Yankalilla Visitor Information Centre. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  3. ^ "Leafy and Weedy Sea Dragon". Animals.NationalGeographic.com. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  4. ^ Cott, Hugh (1940). Adaptive Coloration in Animals. Oxford University Press. pp. 341–342.
  5. ^ New England Aquarium. "Leafy Sea Dragon". New England Aquarium Animals and Exhibits. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  6. ^ Wilson, N. G.; Rouse, G. W. (2010). "Convergent camouflage and the non-monophyly of 'seadragons' (Syngnathidae: Teleostei): suggestions for a revised taxonomy of syngnathids". Zoologica Scripta. pp. 551–558. doi:10.1111/j.1463-6409.2010.00449.x. Retrieved 9 December 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ "Seadragon Phylogeography". Scripps: Marine Invertebrates Phylogenetics Lab. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  8. ^ "Life History of the Weedy Sea Dragon". Research. Sydney Institute of Marine Science. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 13 October 2008.
  9. ^ Connolly, R. M.; Melville, A. J.; Preston, K. M. (2002). "Patterns of movement and habitat use by leafy seadragons tracked ultrasonically". Journal of Fish Biology (61). Oxford: Blackwell: 684–695.
  10. ^ "Zoo and Aquarium Association Inc". zooaquarium.org.au. Retrieved 8 August 2008.
  11. ^ "Protected Aquatic and Priority Species". Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  12. ^ "ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 - SECT 248". Australasian Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  13. ^ Morrison, Sue; Storrie, Ann (1999). Wonders of Western Waters. Como, Western Australia: Department of Conservation and Land Management. p. 112. ISBN 0-7309-6894-4.
  14. ^ "Leafy sea dragon". Underwater Photography Guide Website.
  15. ^ Neville Coleman; Nigel Marsh. "Victor Harbour (sic)". Underwater Australia. Neville Coleman. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
  16. ^ Branshaw-Carlson, Paula (1–4 November 2011). "The Husbandry, Management and Conservation of Syngnathids" (PDF). sheddaquarium.org. Chicago: 5th International Zoo and Aquarium Symposium. Retrieved 6 April 2012. {{cite web}}: |section= ignored (help)
  17. ^ "Southern Oceans: Leafy Sea Dragon". Sydney Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  18. ^ "Aquarium of Western Australia" (PDF). aqwa.com.au. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
  19. ^ Ripley's Aquarium of Canada > The Gallery Accessed 29 March 2014.
  20. ^ Stapen, Candyce H. (17 October 2013). "Discover underwater wonders at Toronto's new aquarium". USA TODAY.
  21. ^ "Adventure Aquarium". Trip Advisor.
  22. ^ "Online Learning Center: Leafy Seadragon". Aquarium of the Pacific. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  23. ^ "There's something about seahorses". aquarium.ucsd.edu. Birch Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  24. ^ "Sea Dragons: Leafy and Weedy". mnzoo.org. Minnesota Zoo. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  25. ^ "Leafy sea dragon". Monterey Bay Aquarium. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
  26. ^ "Exhibits of Southern Australia". Dallas World Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  27. ^ "Animals and Exhibits: Leafy Seadragon". New England Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  28. ^ "Aquariums". Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  29. ^ "Shedd Aquarium Rides Herd On Seahorse Conservation" (PDF). Shedd Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  30. ^ "Live from the California Academy of Sciences" (PDF). California Academy of Sciences. Summer 2008. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  31. ^ "Leafy Seadragon". Tennessee Aquarium. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  32. ^ "Leafy Seadragon at the Atlanta, GA Aquarium - Picture of Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta". Trip Advisor. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 44 (help)
  33. ^ "Leafy Seadragon". Government of South Australia: Insignia and Emblems. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  34. ^ "The Adelaide University Skindiving Club". The Adelaide University Skindiving Club. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  35. ^ "Marine Life Society of South Australia". mlssa.asn.au. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
  36. ^ "Leafy Sea Dragon Festival". District Council of Yankalilla. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
  37. ^ "Newsletter" (PDF). Marine Discovery Centre. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  38. ^ "Press release 13/6/2006: State's Marine emblem stars in new film". Department of Premier and Cabinet. 13 June 2006. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  39. ^ "The amazing adventures of Gavin a leafy seadragon". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  40. ^ "The amazing adventures of Gavin, a Leafy Seadragon". SA Film Corporation. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  41. ^ "Reef Watch: Newsletter" (PDF). reefwatch.asn.au. June 2006. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  42. ^ "Marine Discovery Centre > Newsletter 3-08" (PDF). MarineDiscoveryCentre.com.au. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  43. ^ "Press release 24/8/2008: Gavin goes to school". Department of Premier and Cabinet. 24 August 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  44. ^ Hearst, Michael. Unusual Creatures.
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