Leafy Seadragon

Phycodurus eques

Covered in leafy flaps, it drifts like a loose piece of seaweed. It is fully protected in Australia, so almost none are ever kept.

A peaceful saltwater fish that grows to 30 cm, lives in the middle of the tank and needs 14–22 °C, pH 8.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 400 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Saltwater

Temperature

14–22 °C (57–72 °F)

pH

8.0–8.4

Adult size

30 cm (12 in)

Aquarium

400 L or bigger (106 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Middle

Diet

Carnivore

Wild home

Kelp forests of southern Australia

Good to know

• Delicate. Sensitive to poor water quality.
• Slow eater. Out-competed by fast fish at feeding time.
• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.

Tank mates

Good company: Aurora Moon Jelly, Flower Hat Jelly, Lantern Anglerfish, Peppermint Angelfish.

Attacked by: Clown Triggerfish.

Eats the newborn fry of: Green Chromis, Harlequin Shrimp, Neon Goby, Ocellaris Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Yellowtail Damselfish.

Colours

• Golden Kelp mythic
• Green Kelp mythic

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.