Leafy Sea Dragons

Leafy sea dragons are one of the most amazing camouflaged animals in the ocean. They look exactly like floating pieces of seaweed. Leafy sea dragons are related to seahorses. They are found only in the waters off southern Australia.

Masters of Disguise

Leafy sea dragons have leaf-shaped flaps all over their body. These flaps look just like the seaweed and kelp around them. They drift slowly through the water, looking like a piece of floating plant. This camouflage protects them from predators.

Gentle Swimmers

Leafy sea dragons are slow, gentle swimmers. They have tiny fins on their head and back that are almost invisible. These fins push them through the water very slowly. Like seahorses, the males carry the eggs until the babies hatch.

Fun Facts

• Leafy sea dragons are found only in the waters of southern Australia.
• Male leafy sea dragons carry the eggs on their tails until the babies hatch.
• Leafy sea dragons can grow up to 14 inches long.

Did You Know?

The leafy sea dragon is the official marine emblem of the state of South Australia. They are protected by law because they are rare and found nowhere else in the world.