#seadragon

(not to be confused with his cousin, the seahorse)

The Kelp Dragon are carnivorous ambush predator that get between 3 to 4 feet and mainly inhabits kelp forests near the equator. Using their front limbs, they grip onto a stem of kelp. They remain completely still relying on their innate camouflage to not be seen by any potential prey or predators. Once a fish swims close enough the kelp dragon will snap their head out gripping onto and eating the unlucky fish. Although they are aquatic, these dragons do not possess gills. Instead heading to the surface to breathe. However, the relatively sedentary lifestyle of these creatures allows them to stay underwater for many hours at a time. If caught out in the open these dragons are practically defenseless easily being caught and eaten. During mating season the females of the species lay thousands of eggs on the stems of kelp being left to dusted by passing males. Once the babies hatch they are incredibly tiny, feeding on plankton, and possess gills that they eventually grow out of.

Sea noodles (weedy seadragon, ruby seadragon and leafy seadragon)

Phycodurus eques

Daniel Sly