The Leafy Sea Dragon
This is nature’s camouflage at its best.
Image via Wikipedia
What if you were swimming and came up out of the water covered with seaweed and noticed two little eyeballs looking at you? Instant panic right?
Well unless you are swimming along the coast of Australia, you won’t run into these little guys.
The Leafy Sea Dragon is only found in the waters from Kangaroo Island on the southern shore, to Jurien Bay which is on the western shore. They like sandy areas where they hide among the rocks and seaweed.
Image via Wikipedia
Their protrubing lobes of skin give the appearance of floating seaweed which camouflages them from small crustaceans such as plankton, shrimp, and other small fish that are the mainstay of their diet. They also have the ability to change color depending on their location, diet and stress levels. The fins on the side of their head allow them to steer and turn, and a small fin on the back of it’s tail gives it added mobility.
If you do happen to be swimming along the shores of Australia, you may be caught off guard by this beautiful sea dragon with his amazing ability to blend in. Don’t be too alarmed however. The little guy has no teeth.
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9 Responses to “The Leafy Sea Dragon”
On March 28, 2009 at 12:03 pm
your venture into zoology is so educational.. thanks for sharing this toothless guy..
On March 30, 2009 at 8:11 pm
this is amazing… i liked it a lot!
On April 13, 2009 at 8:27 pm
What a neat little creature!
On April 13, 2009 at 9:11 pm
neat
On April 14, 2009 at 5:32 am
Cute creature!
On June 7, 2009 at 1:18 pm
prey cool macanism of deffence the creation of god
there no batter desiner than god
On June 7, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I’ve seen some of these at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. Remarkable creatures.
On June 7, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Great topic,didn´t know these creatures,well done.
On June 8, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Amazing sea dragon!
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