HomeMarine aquarium fishSeahorses & pipefishLeafy seadragon Leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) Scientific name: Phycodurus eques G?nther, 1865 The Leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) is a marine fish of the family Syngnathidae. Native range: Eastern Indian Ocean, endemic to southern Australia. BiologyUsually occur over sand patches close to reefs with kelp, feeding on mysids and other crustaceans. Ovoviviparous. The male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail. One of the most spectacular examples of camouflage: neither prey nor predators recognize it as a fish.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific namePhycodurus equesFamilySyngnathidae (Pipefishes and seahorses)OrderSyngnathiformes (Pipefishes and Seahorses)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length35.0Depth range4–30 m (13–98 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 4 - 30 mClimateTemperateDistributionEastern Indian Ocean: endemic to southern Australia.Conservation status (IUCN)Near Threatened (NT)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More seahorses & pipefishLong-snouted seahorseHippocampus guttulatusNarrow-bellied seahorseHippocampus angustusLined seahorseHippocampus erectusPacific seahorseHippocampus ingensLongspine snipefishMacroramphosus scolopaxBarbour's seahorseHippocampus barbouriSee all seahorses & pipefish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026