Leafy seadragon

Description

Phycodurus eques,commonly known as leaf dragon,is a saltwater fish belonging to the family of Syngnathidae;it is the only species of the genus Phycodurus.Their name is motivated by their appearance,with long leaf-shaped protrusions coming out of the whole body.These growths are not used for movement,but only serve as camouflage.The leaf dragon moves thanks to a pectoral fin on the crest of the neck and a dorsal fin near the end of the tail.These small fins are almost completely transparent and difficult to see,as they sway imperceptibly to move the animal silently through the water,completing the illusion of a floating algae.It reaches a maximum length of 35 cm.