Mysterious Marine Creature: Leafy Sea Dragon Unveiled

Mysterious Marine Creature: Leafy Sea Dragon Unveiled

The Leafy Sea Dragon, Phycodurus eques, one of the most beautiful fish in the world, can be found along the shores of southern Australia, between Adelaide and Perth [1]. Two of the best places to spot these enchanting creatures around Adelaide are Rapid Bay Jetty and Norman Point.

Rapid Bay is especially renowned for Leafy Sea Dragon sightings and is considered a top shore diving spot in the region, popular among locals and visitors alike for its abundance of these iconic creatures [3][5]. The area offers a unique underwater experience, with Leafy Sea Dragons often found hiding in seaweed, known as brown kelp [6].

Norman Point also offers a surprising variety of sea life, making it another excellent site for divers interested in these unique marine animals [4]. The water temperature for Leafy Sea Dragons in this region is 19 Celsius in the summer, 14 in the winter [7], providing a comfortable diving environment.

Diving tours organized near the south of Adelaide, such as those associated with Sea Dragon Dive Lodge, provide close access to prime Leafy Sea Dragon spots, enhancing the overall experience [1]. Carey Harmer, a guide who knows where Leafy Sea Dragons are being seen and how to get the best photographs of them, is also available for those seeking expert guidance [2].

However, it's important to note that poachers and licensed collectors sometimes remove Leafies from dive sites, threatening the population [8]. Therefore, it's crucial to respect these creatures and their habitats during dives.

Leafy Sea Dragons reach full size after 2 years and may live up to 10 years [9]. They are active during the day and feed on mysid, plankton, and other small crustaceans [10]. Males of Leafy Sea Dragons can carry up to 250 eggs during the Australian summer [8]. Eggs laid by females are deposited on the male's body and hatch after 7-8 weeks [11].

The Leafy Sea Dragon is not found east of Melbourne, and sightings around Melbourne are very rare [1]. If you're planning a trip to Adelaide, don't miss the opportunity to dive with these fascinating creatures. Just remember to dive responsibly and respect these beautiful marine emblems of South Australia [12].

References:

1. https://www.seadragondive.com.au/
2. https://careyharmer.com/
3. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/things-to-do/rapid-bay-jetty/
4. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/things-to-do/norman-point/
5. https://www.divernet.com/features/40794-diving-with-leafy-sea-dragons-in-australia/
6. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/animals/leafy-sea-dragon/
7. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/animals/leafy-sea-dragon/#:~:text=Leafy%20Sea%20Dragons%20are%20found,temperature%20of%2019%20Celsius%20in%20the%20summer.
8. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-17/leafy-sea-dragons-poached-and-collected-for-aquariums-in-australia/10246192
9. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/animals/leafy-sea-dragon/#:~:text=Leafy%20Sea%20Dragons%20reach%20full,may%20live%20up%20to%2010%20years.
10. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/animals/leafy-sea-dragon/#:~:text=Leafy%20Sea%20Dragons%20feed%20on,other%20small%20crustaceans.
11. https://www.sealife.com.au/adelaide/animals/leafy-sea-dragon/#:~:text=Eggs%20laid%20by%20females%20are,hatch%20after%207%E2%80%938%20weeks.
12. https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park/browse-by-region/limestone-coast/leafy-sea-dragon-conservation-park
13. A distinctive underwater world awaits divers at Rapid Bay Jetty, a top shore diving spot famous for its abundance of Leafy Sea Dragons.
14. Adorned with brown kelp, Leafy Sea Dragons can often be found hiding in the seaweed at Rapid Bay, making it an ideal location for underwater photography.
15. For those seeking expert guidance while diving for Leafy Sea Dragons, Carey Harmer, a seasoned guide, is available for bespoke underwater experiences.
16. As a responsible diver, it's essential to respect Leafy Sea Dragons and their habitats while exploring the underwater world.
17. Leafy Sea Dragons reach their full size after two years and may live up to 10 years, leading a solitary lifestyle among the reef.
18. During the day, these captivating creatures are active, feeding on mysid, plankton, and other small crustaceans.
19. Males of the Leafy Sea Dragon species can carry up to 250 eggs during the Australian summer, and the eggs hatch after 7-8 weeks.
20. The Leafy Sea Dragon is not found east of Melbourne, and sightings around Melbourne are very rare, making Adelaide an ideal travel destination for those wishing to encounter these enchanting creatures.
21. To immerse oneself in the lifestyle of coastal South Australia while learning more about Leafy Sea Dragons and other marine critters, consider booking a tour with Sea Dragon Dive Lodge for a memorable home-and-garden, travel, education-and-self-development, and sports experience.

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