Reef fish
Weedy seadragon
Phyllopteryx taeniolatus
IUCN status: Least concernWidely sought
A camouflaged syngnathid associated with kelp and seagrass habitat. It is protected and should never be handled.
- Max size
- Up to about 46cm
- Habitat
- Temperate southern Australian reefs, kelp and seagrass
Best places to dive with Weedy 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.
Sydney
| 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.
Tasmania — East & Southeast
| 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 |
Possible year-round; no unsupported peak is applied.
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