Kingdom+Animalia

=The Weedy Sea Dragon= == //Aquaviews//. (2010). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

Weedy Sea Dragon, Lucas' Sea Dragon, Common Sea Dragon
 * Common Names: **


 * Latin Name: **
 * //Phyllopteryx taeniolatus//**

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Gasterosteiformes Family: Syngnathidae Genus: //Phyllopteryx// Species: //Phyllopteryx taeniolatus//

** Description of Phylum: ** ﻿The Weedy Sea Dragon belongs in the Chordata Phylum. The Chordata Phylum contains organisms that possess a physical feature called a notochord, which is a rod that extends through the length of the body and supports the body during locomotion. Organisms in this phylum have bilateral symmetry and segmented body and muscles. ** Introduction to the Species: ** The Weedy Sea Dragon is in the same family as the Seahorse (//Hippocampus erectus//), Pipefish (//Syngnathoides biaculeatus ) //, and Pipehorse (//Solegnathus spinosissimus )  //. It is the only member of its //Phylloptery//x genus. A close relative of the Weedy Sea Dragon is the Leafy Sea Dragon (//Phycodurus eques//), which has leaf-shaped appendages as opposed to the weed-shaped appendages of the Weedy Sea Dragon. ﻿ //Wikimedia//. (2006, November, 5). [Photograph]. Retrieved from [] ﻿The Leafy Sea Dragon  __﻿ __The Weedy Sea Dragon has larger and more prominent features than the Seahorse. It has reddish or green weed-like appendages, sometimes with yellow spots and purple bars that stick out from its body. This disguises them in the seaweed beds where they live. It has a long pipe-like snout and mouth. The body is long and slender, with prominent rings of bone. Female Weedy Sea Dragons have deep and compressed bodies commpared to the males. Weedy Sea Dragons average 30 centimeters in length, but they are known to grow up to a maximum of 45 centimeters.   ﻿David Byrant. Diving //the Canberra//. (2010). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []  Weedy Sea Dragons feed off plankton, mysids, and other small crustaceans with its long pipe-like mouth. The glowing spots found all over their bodies, created by bioluminescence, help in attracting food and mates. The species’ small, clear fins that move quickly and repeatedly through the water help in navigation and movement. The Weedy Sea Dragon’s movement resemble the speed and grace of swaying seaweed, which helps in camouflage. Their long appendages that resemble aquatic plant stems and leaves make it hard for observers to find them. This is essential for their survival in the fact that they are not strong and fast swimmers. In fact, they are often washed ashore during heavy storms and strong tides. It is not known whether these creatures have predators, so it is interesting to note that they’re so well camouflaged in the seaweed beds. The only known predators are humans, who like to collect them for recreational and scientific research purposes.
 * Morphological Features: **
 * Anatomical/Physical Features: **

Weedy Sea Dragons can be found in shallow estuaries and deep offshore reefs. They usually live between 10 metres to 50 metres below water, in kelp and sea grass laden rocky reef habitats. They are found in the southern coastal waters of Australia, especially in the coasts near New South Whales. In New South Whales, the Weedy Sea Dragon is a protected fish species. Those who possess or take them would face great consequences.
 * Where Does It Live? **

﻿ //Environment//. (2010). [Photograph]. Retrieved from [] <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">﻿ The areas where Weedy Sea Dragons live are in red. __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">﻿ __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The Weedy Sea Dragon and the Syngnathidae family have reversed sex roles: the male incubates the eggs. The male carries the eggs below its tail after receiving them from the female and fertilizing them himself. Offspring survival therefore depends on parental care and survival. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">﻿ Incubation takes eight weeks, while the hatching process takes a time slot of six days. The young grow very quickly, from 25 milimeters right at birth to three times that size after three weeks. Sexual maturity is reached within two years. An average of 120 young are produced with each male carrier.
 * Interesting Facts:﻿﻿﻿﻿ **

YouTube Video: <span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">[] <span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">media type="youtube" key="9MKkr_1Kqcw?fs=1" height="385" width="640"

//Australian Museum.// (2007, March). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []
 * Pictures: **

//Australian Museum.// (2006, December). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

//Australian Museum.// (2007, March). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

//Australian Museum.// (2006, December). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

//Australian Museum.// (2010, August, 19). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

//Australian Museum.// (2010, August, 19). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []


 * References: **

Forsgren, K., & Lowe C. (2006). CSRIRO <span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">//Publishing//. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">McGrouther, M. (2010). //Australiam Museum//. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">Myers, P. (2001). //Animal Diversity Web.// Retrieved from []

//<span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">NSW Government Primefacts //<span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">. (2007). Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">Perun, B. (2010). //TheSea.org//. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: '맑은 고딕'; font-size: 10pt;">Widder, E. (2010). //National Geographic//. Retrieved from []