Diving with Weedy Sea Dragons, Tasmania, Australia

Eaglehawk Dive Centre
Eaglehawk Dive Centre
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Published 2010-08-03
Diving with the amazing Weedy Sea Dragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) off the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, as featured on the BBC "Oceans" episode "Southern Ocean". Related to seahorses, Weedy Seadragons are only found in southern Australia - the largest and most colourful animals are found in southern Tasmania. They live amongst kelp and other seaweeds, and feed on small crustaceans such as mysids which they suck up individually using their tube-like snout. Like seahorses, the male carries the eggs until they hatch.
Filmed by Michael Baron. All footage and images in this video are © Michael Baron, Eaglehawk Dive Centre, all rights reserved. No part of this video can be used in any way and/or in any form without written permission. For all licensing enquiries please contact [email protected]
All Comments (13)
  • @EaglehawkDive
    The weedy seadragons in our area are larger and more brightly coloured than those in most other areas of southern Australia. They can reach 45cm in length. It can take a bit of practice to spot one, but they tend to remain in certain areas, so we have sites where they are found regularly and on almost every dive we do there. Glad you enjoyed the videos and we look forward to seeing you down our way some time.
  • @EaglehawkDive
    The colours are bright under artificial lights, but in available light, they actually blend in very well and the animals can be very difficult to see. The colours in Weedy Seadragons do vary depending on the area, in our area (SE Tasmania) the animals are larger and more brightly coloured than those in most other areas of southern Australia. Weedy (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) and Leafy (Phycodurus eques) Seadragons are different species in different genera. Neither species is toxic.
  • @evilinkarnate
    I understand these are usually hard to spot. Is this bright colored variety common, they seem much larger than I imagined. Does it take hours to "find" one? Thanks so much for posting these lovey videos. You'll be my dive company when I get down there.
  • @Lucy-ng7cw
    I wish I could dive with one. It must have been amazing
  • @Lucy-ng7cw
    Beautiful...but like prefer leafy sea dragons. Although I still appreciate the colours and Beauty of the Weedy sea dragon.
  • @DanielMoralesmaipu69
    que hermosa es la naturaleza!! wueon!! la cago! y aquí no tiene nada que ver la mano del del dios que todos creen que existe! la evolución de las especies es maravillosa!!
  • @evilinkarnate
    It seems like the weedy's employ opposite survival strategy from leafies. The leafies have perfect camo, but the weedies look like it's all about attracting mates, they are quite colorful. Unless their bright colors are a warning? Are they toxic? The weedies and leafies are the same species or sub species arent' they?