Leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) fish species and information / pictures of Leafy seadragon - Phycodurus eques

Leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) fish species information

Scientific Name
Phycodurus eques

Common Name
Leafy seadragon

Biology
Usually occur over sand patches close to reefs with kelp, feeding on mysids and other crustaceans. Ovoviviparous (Ref. 205). The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail (Ref. 205). One of the most spectacular examples of camouflage: neither prey nor predators recognize it as a fish.

Classification

Classified By

G?nther, 1865

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Pipefishes and Seahorses (Syngnathiformes)

Family

Pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Indian Ocean

Distribution

Eastern Indian Ocean: endemic to southern Australia.

Range

32°S - 39°S, 115°E - 140°E

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

4 m

Depth To - meters

30 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 4 - 30 m (Ref. 9002)

Trophic Level

3.33 s.e. 0.45 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

35.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.0000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (29 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Near Threatened (NT)