Leafy Sea Dragon - Facts On The Fascinating Leafy Sea Dragon

Scientific Name : Phycodurus eques

Origin : Australia

DIfficulty : Difficult

Minimum Size Tank : 100 Gallons Minimum

Temperament : Peaceful

Temperature : 72 - 82°F

Reef Safe : Yes

Maximum Size : Up To A Foot

Diet :Carnivore

The Leafy Sea Dragon is one of the rarest members of the family Syngnathidae as far as the marine aquarium hobby is concerned. The family Syngnathidae includes all seahorses, pipefish as well as the weedy sea dragon.

They are only found off the waters of Australia. They can typically attain a length of about twelve inches, making them larger than most seahorses. They are thought to be delicate creatures, far more than most of their cousins.

The beautiful leafy sea dragon is unique among its cousins as it has skin lobes that give it fantastic camouflage. Even from up close, it resembles a piece of seaweed gently swaying in the ocean currents.

It should be no surprise then that the leafy sea dragon habitat is primarily located among rock and seagrass. They can be found in shallow estuaries all the way up to depths of a 150 feet.

The leafy sea dragon is a restricted species with stiff fines being imposed on those that are caught.

Most specimens exported are heading to an exhibit or zoo of some sort and usually have the full approval of the Australian authorities.

The price for a specimen is not exactly known but is thought to range in the thousands.

Due to their size, they are able to prey on smaller fish and crustaceans like shrimp.

Attempts at breeding the leafy sea dragon has thus far been unsuccessful unlike like the easier to breed seahorses.

As such, there isn't really any information on them other than the male carrying the eggs like seahorses do.

Leafy Sea Dragon babies are thought to feed on zooplankton upon hatching.