Most aquarium visitors are not likely to recognize sea dragons as fish when viewing them for the first time. The camouflage of the leafy sea dragon is so perfect, it appears to be a plant even when swimming in open water. A diver has an even harder time identifying a "leafy", since in its natural habitat it may be hiding in clumps of floating seaweed or among kelp beds in dim light. Often the first identifying clue is the movement of an eye. This one appears to have tiny specks of dark algae growing along its trunk and leafy appendages. Identification: Phycodurus eques

Leafy Sea Dragon page