Common name : Common seadragon
Scientific name : Phyllopteryx taeniolatus
Family : Syngnathidae
Native to : Eastern Indian Ocean and South-Western Pacific Ocean
Interesting fact : The male has a brood pouch and cares for the developing eggs.
Conservation status : Near Threatened
Living in rocky reefs, seaweed beds and seagrass meadows are these seadragons
with small leaf-like appendages for camouflage and a number of short spines for protection. A long dorsal fin along the back and small pectoral fins on either sides of the neck provide balance. These fish feed on tiny crustaceans and zooplankton. Lifespan is 5-10 years.
