Camouflage Like a Leafy Sea Dragon

Leafy sea dragons are very similar to sea horses; however, they have several appendages that look like leaves, making it easy for them to camouflage amongst various seaweeds. Just like sea horses, the males are responsible for bearing children. Whenever they’re ready to mate, their tale turns bright yellow. The female deposits up to 250 bright pink eggs on a spongy patch, located on the male sea dragon’s underside.

Seahorses Are Tiny, But Unique

The seahorse is a true aquatic gem that adds another splash of originality to life under the sea. Not only does it have a unique shape, it is one of few fish that are monogamous and mate for life. Even more interesting, the seahorse is the only animal species where the male — not the female — bears the eggs until they hatch. When they do hatch, they release as fully-formed, tiny seahorses.

Another seahorse tidbit: Seahorses don’t have a stomach. Because food passes through them so quickly, they have to eat constantly to stay alive. They can consume more than 3,000 brine shrimp each day!

For more on seahorses, visit NationalGeographic.com.

- Photo by Laurent Ballesta/ National Geographic