Where Do They Live?

Weedy sea dragons prefer shallow estuaries and deep offshore kelp reefs, but can be found elsewhere. On the Northern Beaches, you may be lucky enough to spot one at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve or around the headland from Cabbage Tree Bay.

What Do They Eat?

Small crustaceans such as mysid shrimp, sea lice, and worms.

What Do They Look Like?

Weedy Seadragons are very distinctive, and can't be mistaken for any other species in our local area. They have a long snout shaped like a pipe and no teeth. They are great at camouflaging in kelp forests because they are slow moving and coloured like kelp. They get their name from the leaf-like appendages on their body that look like kelp or seaweed fronds.

How Can You Support Weedy Seadragons?

Weedy seadragons are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They are mostly threatened by habitat loss and degradation of their environment due to human activities and pollution. To give them a helping hand, you can:

• Reduce Pollution: Minimise your use of single-use plastics and properly dispose of waste to prevent marine debris from entering their habitat.
• Protect Coastal Habitats: Avoid damaging seagrass beds and rocky reefs when swimming, boating, or diving. These habitats are critical for weedy seadragon survival.
• Be a Responsible Diver or Snorkeler: Observe weedy seadragons from a distance and never touch or disturb them. Report sightings to citizen science platforms to help researchers monitor populations.
• Raise Awareness: Share information about weedy seadragons with your community to build appreciation and support for their protection.
• Support Marine Conservation Efforts: Donate to or volunteer with organisations that protect marine biodiversity and advocate for stronger protections of vulnerable species.

Fun Facts

• They aren't very good swimmers and often get stranded on beaches, particularly after big storms.
• Instead of the females becoming pregnant, weedy seadragon males carry eggs fixed to the underside of their tail.
• They are sometimes known as 'common seadragons'.
• They can live for up to six years.
• Babies are independent from birth, meaning they don't need their parents to help them make their way in the world.
• They are related to seahorses.