Leafy Seahorse
I'm home from Texas; I missed my friends here in the group. This is a photo that I took at the Dallas Zoo. I got a new camera :)
I'm home from Texas; I missed my friends here in the group. This is a photo that I took at the Dallas Zoo. I got a new camera :)
Beautiful picture! Congratulations on the new camera, and welcome back!
Chris
Chris
2 months ago
I saw two different species of these at the Atlanta Aquarium. This is a great picture because you can actually see their eyes. Good job.
2 months ago
very interesting,
2 months ago
Found on another site.
Leafy Sea Dragons are very interesting to watch-- the leafy appendages are not used for movement. The body of a sea dragon scarcely appears to move at all. Steering and turning is through movement of tiny, translucent fins along the sides of the head (pectoral fins, visible above) and propulsion derives from the dorsal fins (along the spine). Their movement is as though an invisible hand were helping, causing them to glide and tumble in peculiar but graceful patterns in slow-motion. This movement appears to mimic the swaying movements of the seaweed and kelp. Only close observation reveals movement of an eye or tiny fins.
Most sources of information about sea dragons say they are found in the ocean waters of southern Western Australia, South Australia and further east along the coastline of Victoria province, Australia. Sea dragons are protected under Australian law, and their export is strictly regulated. A 1996 assessment by the Australian government's Department of Environmental Heritage indicates "It [the Leafy Sea Dragon] is now completely protected in South Australia because demand for aquarium specimens threatened the species with extinction."
I do know that our Tampa Bay Aquarium spends about $25,000 a year to feed them the microscopic food that the consume. They are fed on the hour around the clock! The food is flown in from Australia.
Leafy Sea Dragons are very interesting to watch-- the leafy appendages are not used for movement. The body of a sea dragon scarcely appears to move at all. Steering and turning is through movement of tiny, translucent fins along the sides of the head (pectoral fins, visible above) and propulsion derives from the dorsal fins (along the spine). Their movement is as though an invisible hand were helping, causing them to glide and tumble in peculiar but graceful patterns in slow-motion. This movement appears to mimic the swaying movements of the seaweed and kelp. Only close observation reveals movement of an eye or tiny fins.
Most sources of information about sea dragons say they are found in the ocean waters of southern Western Australia, South Australia and further east along the coastline of Victoria province, Australia. Sea dragons are protected under Australian law, and their export is strictly regulated. A 1996 assessment by the Australian government's Department of Environmental Heritage indicates "It [the Leafy Sea Dragon] is now completely protected in South Australia because demand for aquarium specimens threatened the species with extinction."
I do know that our Tampa Bay Aquarium spends about $25,000 a year to feed them the microscopic food that the consume. They are fed on the hour around the clock! The food is flown in from Australia.
2 months ago
I boomed this picture, hope it makes it to EONS front page!
Chris
Chris
2 months ago
I keep coming back to look at this photograph. It almost looks like it is swaying at times. And no, I don't drink, so that can't be the reason. It's fascinating and mystical.
2 months ago
My gosh! What a wonderful response to my first efforts with my new camera. I am encouraged by all your replies and photography is my new passion !!
MARI
MARI
2 months ago
What an amazing creature ! Great photo...
2 months ago
That is so good. I live within 50 miles fo the zoo yet haven't been there in 5 years. Looks like since you piqued my interest with your great photos, it is time to go again. Usually too hot or too windy!
2 months ago
WOW! That is a photo worthy of National Geographic! Just beautiful!
2 months ago
