animalworld: LEAFY SEA DRAGON (Phycodurus... - The Life and Times of Yours Truly

animalworld:

LEAFY SEA DRAGON (Phycodurus eques) - ©MontereyBayAquarium.org
Much like the seahorse, the Australian leafy sea dragon’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 sea horses, growing to about 20–24 cm (8–10 in). They feed on plankton and small crustaceans.
The lobes of skin that grow on the leafy sea dragon provide camouflage, giving it the appearance of seaweed. 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 diet, age, location, and stress level.
The creature has a long, pipe-like snout that it uses to feed. It primarily eats crustaceans including plankton and mysids, but its diet also includes shrimp and small fish. It catches prey with the aid of its camouflage. Leafy sea dragons oddly enough do not have teeth, which is rare amongst animals that eat small fish and shrimp.
Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafy_sea_dragon
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Pfeffer’s Flamboyant Cuttlefish
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Denise’s Pygmy Seahorse

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LEAFY SEA DRAGON (Phycodurus eques) - ©MontereyBayAquarium.org

Much like the seahorse, the Australian leafy sea dragon’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 sea horses, growing to about 20–24 cm (8–10 in). They feed on plankton and small crustaceans.

The lobes of skin that grow on the leafy sea dragon provide camouflage, giving it the appearance of seaweed. 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 diet, age, location, and stress level.

The creature has a long, pipe-like snout that it uses to feed. It primarily eats crustaceans including plankton and mysids, but its diet also includes shrimp and small fish. It catches prey with the aid of its camouflage. Leafy sea dragons oddly enough do not have teeth, which is rare amongst animals that eat small fish and shrimp.

Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafy_sea_dragon

Other Photos you may enjoy:

Pfeffer’s Flamboyant Cuttlefish

Pygmy Seahorse

Denise’s Pygmy Seahorse