Weedy Seadragons are masters of disguise. These gentle creatures love to hang out in Victoria’s shallow coastal waters – no wonder they are our state’s marine emblem!
You can find Weedy Seadragons floating slowly through our oceans. Their delicate fins make them look like they are covered in seaweed. This disguise keeps them safe and helps them to blend into the seagrass, seaweed and rocky reefs where they like to live.
Did you know that Weedy Seadragons are the cousins of seahorses? How cool is that!? Just like their cousins, male Weedy Seadragons carry the eggs around before they hatch. They store them under their tail to keep them safe as they steer through the ocean.
Tiny shrimp and sea-lice are Weedy Seadragons’ favourite food. They drift towards the tiny animals and slurp them up with their long, straw-like snout.
Weedy Seadragons are special – they’re unique to Southern Australia and found in many of our marine protected areas. You might spot one at Point Addis, Bunurong, Port Phillip Heads and Wilsons Promontory Marine National Parks, or Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary. Take care of their homes by picking up some marine debris next time you’re at the beach!