The Weedy Sea Dragon

Weedy Sea Dragon - Phyllopteryx taeniolatus

They are very popular as pets and tend to have a higher survival rate in that state than other species of seahorses. If you decide to keep one you need to do your homework first. They need a very special type of environment.

Description

The can reach a maximum length of 15 inches but they are typically much smaller than that – around 12 inches. They are colored based on what is around them. Usually they are a green or a tan color to match the colors of the various weeds that would be around them in a natural setting. They have a body that seems to have many ridges and details in it compared to many other species out there.

Distribution

The Southern coastline and the Western regions of Australia are home to the Weedy Sea Dragon. Some portions of Tasmania also feature them. The are often found living among the seaweed beds. They blend in with them very well though so you will have to look closely at them. They have also been bred in captivity in Florida, Tennessee, and areas of Georgia.

There is a protection act on the species as a whole in Australia. This is due to them being considered near endangered. Even so there are many sales of them as pets on the black market, they are used for medicine, and they are commercially gathered.

(source:google/http://www.seahorseworlds.com/)