Suojakelpoutta

Suojakelpoutta (*Phycodurus eques*), commonly known as the leafy seadragon, is a small, leaf-like marine fish native to southern Australia. It belongs to the family Syngnathidae, which also includes seahorses and pipefish. The species is closely related to the more well-known weedy seadragon (*Phycodurus eques* is sometimes confused with *Phyllopteryx taeniolatus*, the true weedy seadragon, though they are distinct).

Suojakelpoutta is characterized by its elongated, leafy appendages that resemble seaweed, providing excellent camouflage among kelp forests. These appendages are not true limbs but modified scales and skin folds, allowing the fish to blend seamlessly into its environment. The body is slender, with a long, prehensile tail used for grasping kelp and other substrates. Males carry the eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch, a trait shared with other syngnathids.

This species inhabits temperate waters along the southern coasts of Western Australia, primarily in kelp forests where it feeds on small crustaceans, plankton, and other tiny organisms. Suojakelpoutta is generally found at depths ranging from a few meters to about 40 meters, though it is most commonly observed in shallow, sheltered areas.

Due to its distinctive appearance and specialized habitat, the leafy seadragon is a popular subject in marine biology and aquaristics. However, its population is not well-studied, and it is not currently listed as threatened. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its kelp forest habitats from degradation, pollution, and climate change impacts.

The suojakelpoutta is often mistaken for the weedy seadragon, which has more pronounced leaf-like protrusions and a broader distribution along Australia’s southern coast. Both species are fascinating examples of evolutionary adaptation in marine environments.