SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium celebrates 6th weedy sea dragon breeding season

For the sixth time, SEA LIFE Melbourne has proven themselves to be incredibly skilled when it comes to breeding weedy sea dragons and raising them into adulthood. This is such a rare feat and further highlights that this weedy sea dragon breeding program continues to be one of the most successful in the world.

 

Famously the marine emblem of Victoria, and unique to southern Australian waters, weedy sea dragons, are notoriously hard to breed, therefore much care was taken to ensure the display was specifically designed to replicate the natural seasons and elements of the wild. It has been a delicate mix of water flow, filtration and lighting to ensure perfect breeding conditions.

 

Tereza Todd, Department Lead at SEA LIFE Melbourne said, “Habitat loss has been a key issue for this species. Due to limited research it’s hard to estimate the exact number of weedy sea dragons in the wild hence the importance of captive breeding programs to discover more about and ensure the long-term survival of the species.”

 

“We are thrilled with this year’s numbers and look forward to sharing our success with other aquariums around the world later in the year”  

 

The weedy sea dragons are currently behind the scenes gaining strength before they go on public display. In a few months’ time several of them will be heading overseas to populate international SEA LIFE aquariums to help reduce the strain on wild populations.

 

Weedy Sea Dragon Facts 

Unique facts just for our little weedy friends

 

• Leaf-like appendages for camouflage: Weedy sea dragons have leaf-like appendages along their bodies that mimic seaweed and kelp, providing them with exceptional camouflage in their natural habitats. This makes them almost invisible to predators and helps them blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

 

• No brood pouch for males: Unlike their seahorse relatives, male weedy sea dragons don’t have a brood pouch. Instead, they carry fertilised eggs on the underside of their tails, where the eggs remain exposed until they hatch.

 

• Limited mobility: Weedy sea dragons are not strong swimmers and rely on their small, transparent pectoral fins for movement. These fins are nearly invisible, helping them maintain their camouflage as they drift slowly through the water, mimicking the sway of seaweed.

 

• Independent eye movement: Similar to seahorses, weedy sea dragons can move their eyes independently, allowing them to scan their surroundings for predators and prey without moving their bodies, further enhancing their ability to stay hidden.

 

• Longer lifespan in captivity: While weedy sea dragons typically live up to 10 years in the wild, they can live even longer in captivity, sometimes reaching up to 15 years with proper care. This extended lifespan in controlled environments makes them a fascinating subject for marine research and conservation efforts.

 

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