The Weedy Seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) is endemic to southern Australian waters and can be found from Sydney on the east coast around the south to Perth on the west coast. The weedy seadragon, also known as the common seadragon, belongs to the same family as seahorses and pipefish (Syngnathidae). It occurs from Geraldton in Western Australia along the southern Australian coastline to Port Stephens in New South Wales.
The Weedy Seadragon grows to a maximum size of 45cm. Leaf-like appendages occur along their unusually shaped body, which is usually reddish in colour with yellow spots and purple bars. The head is slightly angled down, with a long snout. Large females become deep and compressed in the body, and are readily distinguishable from males, which deepen to a much lesser degree.
They can usually be found on reefs covered in kelp as they use the kelp forests to hide from predators and also for searching for prey. They can be considered a common species and are often found in large numbers at certain sites. They are generally found from 10 – 30 metres but may even be found at depths as deep as 50 metres. The male Weedy Seadragon will carry a brood of eggs that is visible on the tail.
Weedy seadragons feed upon mysids and other small crustaceans. Sexual maturity is reached within two years. Breeding season is early summer with one brood per season. Males carry eggs externally below the tail. Incubation requires eight weeks resulting in about 250 young. The hatching period lasts around 6 days, during which time the young are spread over a large area. The young develop rapidly, measuring 25mm at birth and growing up to 3 times that within 3 weeks.
