Facts on Weedy Sea Dragons
Weedy sea dragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) are aquatic animals closely related to seahorses. Sea dragons derive their name from their colorful bodies and their leaf-like appendages, which bring to mind images of aquatic dragons.
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Geography
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Weedy sea dragons can be found off the coast of Australia. More specifically, they inhabit the waters off the coast of the provinces of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Identification
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Weedy sea dragons can reach lengths of around 18 inches, and can be identified by their long bodies and tube-like snouts. Their bodies are generally red, with spots of yellow and stripes of blue or purple. They have several appendages, which make the weedy sea dragons resemble floating seaweed.
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Diet
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Carnivorous weedy sea dragons lack teeth and use the strong suction generated by their snouts to consume larval fish, sea lice and mysids.
Reproduction
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Weedy sea dragons are independent and solitary, coming together only during mating season. Females lay eggs on the underside of the males' tails. The males will then carry the eggs until they hatch, about a month later.
Fun Fact
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Weedy sea dragons are a tourist draw in southern Australia, where people will scuba dive specifically to see these colorful fish.
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References
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Comments
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you can also see Weedy Sea dragons at the Shed Aquarium in Chicago. For a fleting class on the Weedy Sea dragon check out Crafty Threads Quilt shop in Tampa Florida.
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grrrr.......... tell me their traits.
