Wildlife
Weedy seadragons are found among coral reefs, seagrass beds and seaweeds off the south coast of Australia. Like their close relatives the seahorses, male seadragons incubate the eggs in brood pouches, supplying oxygen to the eggs through their own blood vessels.
Scientific name: Phyllopteryx taeniolatus
Rank: Species
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Dancing dragons
The beautiful, balletic courtship of weedy sea dragons.
Of all the creatures filmed for Life, the weedy seadragon ranked as one of David Attenborough's favourites.
The following habitats are found across the Weedy sea dragon distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Near Threatened
Population trend: Unknown
Year assessed: 2006
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
Phyllopteryx taeniolatus, also known as the weedy seadragon or common seadragon, is a marine fish related to the seahorse. It is the only member of the genus Phyllopteryx. Adult weedy seadragons are a reddish colour, with yellow and purple markings; they have small leaf-like appendages that provide camouflage and a number of short spines for protection. Males have narrower bodies and are darker than females. Seadragons have a long dorsal fin along the back and small pectoral fins on either side of the neck, which provide balance. Weedy seadragons can reach 45 cm in length.
The weedy seadragon is the marine emblem of the Australian State of Victoria.
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Paternal care
Adapted to swimming
Courtship display
Egg layer