Reef fish
Leafy seadragon
Phycodurus eques
IUCN status: Least concernBucket-list species
A highly camouflaged syngnathid endemic to southern Australian waters. Rapid Bay records fluctuate, so presence should never be converted into a guaranteed encounter.
- Max size
- Up to about 35cm
- Habitat
- Temperate southern Australian reefs, seagrass and macroalgae
Best places to dive with Leafy seadragon
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Fleurieu Peninsula
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Resident habitat association; individual sightings are never guaranteed.
Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Rapid Bay seadragon study, South Australia Department for Environment and Water