Leafy Sea Dragon [Phycodurus eques]
Description
The Leafy Sea Dragon is a marine fish in the family Syngnathidae, which also includes seahorses. It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. The name is derived from the appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as camouflage. The leafy sea dragon propels itself by means of a pectoral fin on the ridge of its neck and a dorsal fin on its back closer to the tail end.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
True Jellyfish
Scyphozoa
|
| Order |
True Jellyfish
Semaeostomeae
|
| Family |
Blubber Jellies
Catostylidae
|
| Genus |
Leaf Jellyfish
Leptobrachia
|