Phyllopteryx taeniolatus
What to look for
A slow, drifting shape near kelp and seagrass, usually in 5 to 20 metres. Look for yellow spots and purple-blue bars on a red-orange body, and a long tubular snout. They often hover just above the weed, rocking gently with the swell.
Fathers carry the eggs
As with seahorses, the male does the incubating. Females lay their eggs onto a brood patch under the male’s tail, where they stay for around a month until they hatch. Males carrying eggs are usually seen from late winter into summer.
Seeing them responsibly
Seadragons, seahorses and pipefish are protected in NSW. Keep your fins off the bottom, don’t touch or chase them, and give them space. A slow approach from the side gets you the best look and the best photo.
