Leaf-like protrusions
Long leaf-like appendages all over the body that provide camouflage but are not used for propulsion.
Leafy Seadragon
Phycodurus eques
A marine fish with leaf-like protrusions for camouflage found along southern and western Australia.
Glauert's seadragonleafies
Species Guide
What to know about leafy seadragons
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is a marine fish in the family Syngnathidae and the only member of the genus Phycodurus. It occurs along the southern and western coasts of Australia. Its name comes from long leaf-like protrusions across the body that serve as camouflage rather than for propulsion. Propulsion is provided by a pair of pectoral fins on the sides of the neck and a dorsal fin nearer the tail; these small, almost transparent fins undulate subtly and move the animal slowly, enhancing the illusion of floating seaweed. The species is popularly called "leafies" and is the marine emblem of the state of South Australia.
A focus for local marine conservation in South Australia.
Moves sedately through the water using minute undulations of pectoral fins on the neck and a dorsal fin near the tail, creating the illusion of floating seaweed.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Bequia, Komodo and countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for divers building trips around leafy seadragons.
Identification
How to identify leafy seadragons
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
