Leafy seadragon

{{Short description|Species of fish}} {{Distinguish|Common seadragon}} {{Use Australian English|date=May 2017}} {{Speciesbox | name = Leafy dragon | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Pollom, R. |date=2017 |title=''Phycodurus eques'' |volume=2017 |article-number=e.T17096A67622420 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T17096A67622420.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> | image = Leafy_Seadragon_on_Kangaroo_Island.jpg | image_caption = Off Kangaroo Island, Australia | parent_authority = T. N. Gill, 1896 | display_parents = 3 | genus = Phycodurus | species = eques | authority = (Günther, 1865) | range_map = Phycodurus eques range map.png | range_map_caption = ''Phycodurus eques'' range | synonyms = *''Phycodurus glauerti'' <small>Whitley, 1939</small> *''Phyllopteryx eques'' <small>Günther, 1865</small> }}

The '''leafy seadragon''' ('''''Phycodurus eques''''') or '''Glauert's seadragon''', is a marine fish. It is the only member of the genus '''''Phycodurus''''' in the family Syngnathidae, which includes seadragons, pipefish, and seahorses.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/genus/1160 |title= Phycodurus |last1= Gomon |first1= Martin F. |last2= Bray |first2= Dianne J. |date=n.d. |website=Fishes of Australia |publisher= Museums Victoria |access-date= 8 November 2022}}</ref>

thumb|Leafy seadragon skeleton It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. The name is derived from their 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 utilising a pair of pectoral fins on the sides 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", they are 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|access-date= 17 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509231926/http://yankalilla.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Leafy_Sea_Dragon_Information.pdf |archive-date=9 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sea-dragon/?source=A-to-Z|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520221952/http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sea-dragon/?source=A-to-Z|archive-date=20 May 2011|title=Animals: Leafy Sea Dragon |publisher=National Geographic |access-date=9 December 2011}}</ref>

== Taxonomy == The generic name is derived from the Ancient Greek words φῦκος (''phûkos'') "seaweed"<ref name="seaweedGEL">{{cite web|url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dfu%3Dkos |title=φῦκος |last1=Liddell |first1=Henry George |last2=Scott |first2=Robert |work=A Greek-English Lexicon |publisher=Perseus Digital Library |date= 1940 }}</ref>, and δέρμα (''dérma''] "skin".<ref name="skinGEL">{{cite web|url=http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry=de/rma |title=δέρμα |last1=Liddell |first1=Henry George |last2=Scott |first2=Robert |work=A Greek-English Lexicon |publisher=Perseus Digital Library |date= 1940 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fishbase.se/summary/15908 |title=''Phycodurus eques'', Leafy seadragon |date=2022 |editor-last1=Froese |editor-first1=Rainer |editor-last2=Daniel |editor-first2=Pauly |website=FishBase |access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref>

== 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 {{convert|20|–|24|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}}. They feed on plankton and small crustaceans.

The lobes of skin that grow on the leafy seadragon provide camouflage, giving it the appearance of seaweed.<ref>{{cite book |last= Cott |first= Hugh |author-link= Hugh B. Cott |date= 1940 |title= Adaptive Coloration in Animals |location= |publisher= Oxford University Press |pages= 341–342 |oclc=5232000}}</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 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 multicoloured and grows weed-like fins, but is smaller than the leafy seadragon. Another unique feature is the small, circular gill openings covering tufted gills, very unlike the crescent-shaped gill openings and ridged gills of most fish species.<ref>(Lourie 1999).</ref>

==Habitat and distribution== thumb|At Rapid Bay jetty 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, {{convert|220|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Perth in Western Australia.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><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|page=112|isbn=978-0-7309-6894-8}}</ref> Individuals were once thought to have very restricted ranges; but further research has discovered that seadragons 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 {{convert|50|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep, around kelp-covered rocks and clumps of seagrass.<ref name = "Yankalilla" /> They are commonly sighted by scuba divers near Adelaide in South Australia, especially at Rapid Bay, Edithburgh, and 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/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202114543/http://www.nevillecoleman.com.au/dive-travel-destinations--scuba-diving---snorkeling/australia-diving/south-australia/victor-harbour/ |archive-date=2 February 2013 |work=Underwater Australia |publisher=Neville Coleman |access-date=13 February 2013 |author=Neville Coleman |author2=Nigel Marsh }}</ref>

==Ecology==

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 years, 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| access-date=9 July 2013| url=http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/animals/sea_dragons/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930143620/http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/animals/sea_dragons/| archive-date=30 September 2013}}</ref>

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

===Reproduction===

As with seahorses, the male leafy seadragon cares for the eggs. The female produces up to 250 bright pink eggs, then deposits them onto the male's tail with her ovipositor, a long tube. The eggs then attach themselves to a brood patch, which supplies them with oxygen. After 9 weeks, the eggs begin to hatch, depending on water conditions. The eggs turn a ripe purple or orange over this period, after which the male pumps his tail until the young emerge, a process which takes place over 24–48 hours. The male aids the hatching of the eggs by shaking his tail, and rubbing it against seaweed and rocks. Once born, the young seadragon is completely independent, eating small zooplankton until large enough to hunt mysids. Only about 5% of the eggs survive.<ref name = "Yankalilla" /> Each newborn fry begins life with a small, externally-attached yolk-sac. This sac provides them sustenance for their first few days of life. Despite this initial nutrition source, the majority of fry will instinctively learn to hunt and catch prey upon hatching, and will become self-reliant before the sac is gone.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Groves|first=Paul|date=December 1998|title=Leafy Sea Dragons|journal=Scientific American|volume=279|issue=6|pages=84–89|doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1298-84|issn=0036-8733}}</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 {{convert|150|m|ft|abbr=on}} 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 |volume=61|issue= 3|pages=684–695|doi=10.1111/j.1095-8649.2002.tb00904.x|title-link= habitat}}</ref>

==Conservation==

Leafy seadragons are subject to many threats, both natural and man-made. They are caught by collectors, but unlike other syngnathid fish, are not used in alternative medicine.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Pollom, R. |date=2017 |title=''Phycodurus eques'' |volume=2017 |article-number=e.T17096A67622420 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T17096A67622420.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> They are vulnerable when first born, and are slow swimmers, reducing their chance of escaping from a predator. Seadragons are sometimes washed ashore after storms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zooaquarium.org.au/Leafy-Seadragon/default.aspx|title=Zoo and Aquarium Association Inc|publisher=zooaquarium.org.au|access-date=8 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302022157/http://www.zooaquarium.org.au/Leafy-Seadragon/default.aspx|archive-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>

The species has become endangered through pollution and industrial runoff, as well as collection for the aquarium trade. 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.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><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|access-date=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|access-date=29 April 2013}}</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 status 19 November 2021" /> 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.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Branshaw-Carlson|first1=Paula|title=Seadragon husbandry in the new millennium: Lessons learned from the past will create a sustainable future|journal=2012 International Aquarium Congress 9–14 September 2012|date=2012|url=http://www.iac2012.co.za/images/uploads/Seadragon_Husbandry_in_the_New_Millenium_-_Paula_Carlson.pdf|access-date=27 October 2014}}</ref> {{incomplete list|date=September 2014}}

===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|access-date=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|access-date=8 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928084129/http://www.aqwa.com.au/media/pdf/Leafy%20Seadragon.pdf|archive-date=28 September 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=https://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=17 October 2013|publisher=USA TODAY}}</ref>

thumb|240px|right|Leafy seadragon at the South East Asia Aquarium. Video clip

===South East Asia=== S.E.A. Aquarium, located in the Marine Life Park of Singapore, displays both leafy and weedy seadragons.

===United States=== thumb|right|250px|Leafy seadragon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium 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|access-date=6 April 2012}}</ref> Birch Aquarium in 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|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329015329/http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Exhibits/Seahorses/|archive-date=29 March 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|access-date=14 February 2014}}</ref> Monterey Bay Aquarium;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/AnimalDetails.aspx?enc=n3f4wmcSJaMOCtHyd6DEPA==|title=Leafy sea dragon|publisher=Monterey Bay Aquarium|access-date=6 September 2011}}</ref> the Dallas World Aquarium & the Dallas Children's Aquarium, Dallas;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dwazoo.com/aquarium-exhibit/?page=4|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724171903/http://www.dwazoo.com/aquarium-exhibit/?page=4|archive-date=24 July 2012|title=Exhibits of Southern Australia|publisher=Dallas World Aquarium|access-date=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|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412105857/http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/animals/sea_dragons/index.php|archive-date=12 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 |access-date=6 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719053735/http://www.pdza.org/page.php?id=114 |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky,{{citation needed|date= November 2024}} 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|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828233321/http://sheddaquarium.org/pdf/publicrelations/cons_seahorses.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2011}}</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|access-date=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219060439/http://calacademy.org/join/pdfs/summer_08_member_pub.pdf|archive-date=19 December 2013}}</ref> the Tennessee Aquarium;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnaqua.org/OurAnimals/Fishes/LeafySeadragon.aspx|title=Leafy Seadragon|publisher=Tennessee Aquarium|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325024700/http://www.tnaqua.org/OurAnimals/Fishes/LeafySeadragon.aspx|archive-date=25 March 2012}}</ref> Sea World Orlando, Florida; the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium;<ref>{{cite web|url= https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RydZ68YolDg |title="Sea Dragons Pittsburgh Zoo" |publisher=YouTube}}</ref> Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Tennessee;{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} the Florida Aquarium<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tbo.com/news/environment/wildlife/Three-struggling-seadragons-get-pool-noodles-at-the-Florida-Aquarium_171111688|title=Three struggling seadragons get 'pool noodles' at the Florida Aquarium|date=2018-08-23|work=TBO.com|access-date=2018-08-23|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823134211/https://www.tbo.com/news/environment/wildlife/Three-struggling-seadragons-get-pool-noodles-at-the-Florida-Aquarium_171111688}}</ref> in Tampa, Florida; the Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida;{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} and Ripley's Aquarium Broadway at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.{{citation needed|date= February 2016}}

=== Europe === The Lisbon Aquarium (Lisboa Oceanarium) has both leafy sea dragons and weedy sea dragons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aquarium |url=https://www.oceanario.pt/en/exhibitions/aquarium/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=www.oceanario.pt}}</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|access-date=19 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720122314/http://www.premcab.sa.gov.au/emblems/dragon1.htm|archive-date=20 July 2011}}</ref> It is also featured in the logos of the Adelaide University Scuba Club Inc. and the Marine Life Society of South Australia Inc., two South Australian associations.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Adelaide University Skindiving Club|url=http://www.adelaidescuba.com/|publisher=The Adelaide University Skindiving Club|access-date=24 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssa.asn.au/|title=Marine Life Society of South Australia|publisher=mlssa.asn.au|access-date=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 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|access-date=13 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509231747/http://yankalilla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=596|archive-date=9 May 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 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|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814221909/https://www.marinediscoverycentre.com.au/Marine_Discovery/resources/Newsletter_3_06a.pdf}}</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|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320215139/http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=3603|archive-date=20 March 2014}}</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|access-date=17 August 2011}}</ref> Made through a collaboration of The People's Republic of Animation, Waterline Productions and the 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|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930230147/http://www.safilm.com.au/MadeInSa/Detail.aspx?pro=215|archive-date=30 September 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|volume=9|issue=2|date=June 2006|publisher=reefwatch.asn.au|access-date=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|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814211313/https://www.marinediscoverycentre.com.au/Marine_Discovery/resources/Newsletter_3_08.pdf}}</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|access-date=17 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320215139/http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=3603|archive-date=20 March 2014}}</ref>

The Pokémon species Dragalge, introduced in the series' 6th generation and the Pokémon X & Y games, appears to be based on a leafy seadragon.<ref>{{Cite web|title=These 20 Pokémon creatures may look totally made up — but they actually inspired by real wild animals|url=https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/pokemon-anomals|website=Discover Wildlife|date=2025-09-08|access-date=2026-02-01|language=en|last=debbie.graham@ourmedia.co.uk}}</ref>

==See also== * Weedy seadragon (Common seadragon) * Ruby seadragon * Genome evolution in seadragons * Seahorse * Pipefish *Sargassum fish

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== * {{cite journal |last1=Connolly |first1=R. M. |title=Patterns of movement and habitat use by leafy seadragons tracked ultrasonically |journal=Journal of Fish Biology|date=September 2002 |volume=61 |issue=3 |pages=684–695 |doi=10.1111/j.1095-8649.2002.tb00904.x}}<!--|access-date=29 April 2015-->

==External links== {{Commons category|Phycodurus eques}}

'''Australia''' * [https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/leafy-seadragon-phycodurus-eques/ Australian Museum > Leafy Seadragon] Retrieved 8 August 2011. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110929054351/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. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090106163948/http://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. * [https://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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314131859/http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/full_description/leafy_seadragon/%20 |date=14 March 2016 }} Retrieved 8 August 2011. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140222033648/http://www.leafyseadragons.net/ Leafy seadragon information] * [http://www.fishbase.ca/summary/Phycodurus-eques.html FishBase > ''Phycodurus eques'' (Günther, 1865), Leafy seadragon] Retrieved 17 August 2011. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20170207164323/http://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. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070518160007/http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=31 MarineBio Conservation Society > ''Phycodurus eques'', Leafy Sea Dragons] Retrieved 8 August 2011.

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}} {{Taxonbar|from=Q501644}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Syngnathidae Category:Marine fish of Southern Australia Category:Emblems of South Australia leafy seadragon Category:Taxa named by Albert Günther Category:Articles containing video clips