The leafy sea dragon is unique to the waters of southern Australia. It has a head like a sea horse and an armoured body, with long spines. Elaborate lobes of skin grow on the spines, making them look like seaweed.

The colour of leafy sea dragons varies from orange-brown or yellowish green to burgundy red depending on depth. The maximum length is 35cm.

Floating around like a piece of loose weed, it is one of the most unusual and spectacular fishes, with incredible camouflage.

The male sea dragon incubates around 250 eggs under his tail. The hatchlings are about 35mm long.

Graeme's originals of leafy sea dragons - created by request and now in limited edition here