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Phycodurus eques (Günther, 1865) Leafy seadragon |
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photo by
Lavin, C.P. |
| Family: | Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses), subfamily: Syngnathinae | |||
| Max. size: | 35 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 30 m, non-migratory | |||
| Distribution: | Eastern Indian Ocean: endemic to southern Australia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | ||||
| Biology: | Usually occur over sand patches close to reefs with kelp, feeding on mysids and other crustaceans. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). One of the most spectacular examples of camouflage: neither prey nor predators recognize it as a fish. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 May 2016 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||