The Australian Leafy Sea Dragon

October 12, 2010 – It is easy to take nature for granted and think that the incredible variety of animal species on the face of the earth can somehow be quantified and understood at face value. However, every now and then, scientists in search of new and weird animals come across certain specimens that defy explanation and are shrouded in mystery. One of these animals is the leafy sea dragon.

The leafy sea dragon acquired its name from Chinese mythology because of its unique appearance. The creature looks like a cross between a mythological dragon of some sort and some type of sub-aquatic plant life. In fact, the animal is much more similar to a common sea horse, with many shared attributes. The sea dragon’s body is shimmering with green, gold, and orange, and it has many different leafy parts that serve as a camouflage to hide its presence from potential predators lurking about within the surrounding waters. Actually, if it were not for the sea dragon’s one eye and tiny fluttering fins it would be basically impossible to recognize. This advanced form of camouflage is a unique adaptation to the unpredictable and dangerous environment inhabited by sea dragons.

The sea dragon is just another one of those rare animals found within Australian territory. It is an endangered animal that is currently protected by the Australian government. Apparently, sea dragons can only be found off the coast of Australia and have not been found anywhere else in the world. The sea dragon lives in relatively calm waters that have a temperatures of 10-12 degrees Celsius. As is the case with common sea horses, the male sea dragon is the one who carries and fertilizes the eggs. These eggs are numerous (usually between 150-300 individual eggs) and are carried underneath the sea dragon’s tail for around eight weeks.

 

 

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