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

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