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Quick answer
The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is a seahorse relative draped in leaf-like skin flaps that mimic seaweed on southern Australian reefs. Males brood eggs on a tail patch, adults reach about 35 cm, and the species is Near Threatened as habitat loss and collectors pressure local populations.
Top questions about the Leafy Seadragon
Also available in Español (Dragón de mar foliado)
Leafy Seadragon facts at a glance
- Weight 300 g
- Length 35 cm
- Top speed 2 km/h
- Lifespan 8 years
| Scientific name | Phycodurus eques |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (mysid shrimp) |
| Habitat | Seaweed beds and rocky reefs |
| Lifespan | Around 8 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.3 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 2 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Syngnathiformes |
| Family | Syngnathidae |
| Genus | Phycodurus |
Where it lives
The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is native to Southern Australian coasts from Western Australia to South Australia and Victoria. — recorded across Oceania in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a leafy seadragon?
An adult leafy seadragon measures 35 cm long — about 20% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 300 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of leafy seadragons called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Leafy Seadragons is called a herd.
Baby name
A baby Leafy Seadragon is called a fry.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Seaweed in motion
Elaborate leaf-like appendages break up the outline among kelp and seagrass. Tiny transparent fins provide slow propulsion; animals drift with surge more than they swim hard.
Mysid shrimp specialist
Pipe-like snouts suck mysid shrimp and other small crustaceans. They do not chase rapidly; ambush and precise suction rule feeding. Across its range it is tied to seaweed beds and rocky reefs, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Southern Australian coasts
Seaweed beds and rocky reefs from Western Australia across South Australia to Victoria. Across its range it is tied to seaweed beds and rocky reefs, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Near Threatened icon
Protected in Australia and listed Near Threatened. Storm damage to seagrass, pollution, and past collection for curios harm local groups; diving tourism now mostly photographic.
Explore the Leafy Seadragon
Related Fishs
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Leafy Seadragon
The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Near Threatened (NT) means a species does not yet qualify as threatened but is close to it, or likely to become so in the near future without ongoing conservation. It is a watch-list category just below Vulnerable.
The leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Leafy Seadragon
Are leafy seadragons seahorses?
They are close relatives in the family Syngnathidae, but seadragons form distinct genera.
Do male leafy seadragons get pregnant?
Males carry and aerate eggs on the underside of the tail until hatch — similar parental care to seahorses.
Why are leafy seadragons Near Threatened?
Limited range, habitat degradation, and historical collecting reduced some populations.
Can you keep a leafy seadragon as a pet?
Wild collection is illegal; they are protected Australian wildlife needing specialised public-aquarium care.
Where do leafy seadragons live?
Southern Australian coasts from Western Australia to Victoria. Native range summary: Southern Australian coasts from Western Australia to South Australia and Victoria.
What is a group of leafy seadragons called?
A group of Leafy Seadragons is called a herd.
What is a baby leafy seadragon called?
A baby Leafy Seadragon is called a fry.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Leafy Seadragon:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Near Threatened) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Phycodurus eques.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Phycodurus eques. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Phycodurus eques. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
