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Weedy
Seadragons
The
Weedy Seadragon is covered in armour-like plates which protect
it from predators. The 'weedy' fins that it uses to move
about the ocean also help it to hide among the seaweed.
| Scientific
Name |
Phyllopteryx
taeniolatus |
| Body |
Weedy
seadragons are characterised by leaf-like appendages that
decorate their body. Unlike seahorses that have curly
prehensile (grasping) tails, seadragons have a long straight
non-prehensile tail. |
| Size/Age |
They
can reach up to 460mm. Seadragons grow to a length of
200mm after one year, reaching their mature length at
two years. |
| Reproduction |
As
in seahorses, seadragons reverse roles to rear their young.
The female lays her eggs under the male’s tail. He
is responsible for looking after the eggs. The eggs remain
under the adult male’s tail for about two months.
The juveniles hatch and grow rapidly, attaining a size
of about 70mm after just three weeks. While they have
been found in depths of up to 50 m, they are more often
seen in shallow coastal waters. |
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return to index Seahorses
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