Leafy Seadragon

The leafy seadragon is a master of camouflage, its body adorned with leaf-like appendages that dissolve it into seaweed and kelp forests. Growing to around 35 cm, this delicate relative of seahorses drifts slowly through southern Australian waters, relying on its disguise rather than speed to avoid predators. Males carry eggs in a pouch until they hatch—a rare example of male pregnancy in fish. Look for them hovering near rocky reefs and seagrass beds, where their elaborate fronds make them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their elaborate appearance.