The Leafy Seadragon's Disguise

The leafy seadragon wears long leaf-like protrusions all over its body.

The marine fish lives along the southern and western Australian coasts.

The genus name comes from ancient Greek words meaning seaweed skin.

Adult leafy seadragons grow to about 20 to 24 centimetres long.

The seadragon sucks up small crustaceans through a pipe-like snout.

Transparent pectoral fins undulate minutely to move the creature sedately forward.

Small circular gill openings cover tufted gills unlike most other fish.

The female produces up to 250 bright pink eggs for breeding.

Male leafy seadragons carry the eggs attached to a brood patch.

Only about 5 percent of the eggs survive to become independent fry.

One tracked individual moved at up to 150 metres per hour.

South Australia has totally protected the species since 1987.

The leafy seadragon serves as the official marine emblem of South Australia.