Majestic Sea Creature: Leafy Sea Dragon
Discovering the Enchanting Leafy Sea Dragons: A Diver's Guide
Leafy Sea Dragons, one of the most beautiful fish in the world, can be found along the shores of southern Australia, primarily between Adelaide and Perth. These captivating creatures reach full size after two years and live up to 10 years.
If you're planning a diving expedition to spot these elusive marine wonders, look no further than South Australia, particularly the areas south of Adelaide. The coastal regions here are teeming with opportunities to encounter Leafy Sea Dragons.
The Sea Dragon Dive Lodge, located in this region, offers guided or self-guided dives that are easy and rewarding for spotting Leafy Sea Dragons. Tumby Bay and Port Lincoln, also in South Australia, provide additional dive experiences known for these creatures, often within broader marine wildlife tours.
While there is limited specific information about prime Leafy Sea Dragon dive sites between Adelaide and Perth, the focus largely remains on South Australian waters. Western Australia’s coast toward Perth is not mentioned explicitly for Leafy Sea Dragons, suggesting the most reliable and established spots are in South Australia along the southern coast near Adelaide.
Females deposit eggs on the male's body, and they hatch after 7-8 weeks. During the Australian summer, males can carry up to 250 eggs, often seen by divers in November and December. Leafy Sea Dragons are usually found hiding in seaweed, known as brown kelp, and they feed on mysid, plankton, and other small crustaceans.
It's important to note that Leafy Sea Dragons are sometimes found with Isopods attached to them, which are parasites. Additionally, poaching and licensed collecting can sometimes remove Leafies from dive sites.
For those seeking a memorable diving experience, the Diver's Delight dive shop in Adelaide offers great rental gear and VIP treatment on Leafy Sea Dragon tours. Some of the well-known Leafy Sea Dragon dive sites along the southern coast between Adelaide and Perth include Rapid Bay Jetty, Edithburgh Jetty, Wool Bay Jetty, Kangaroo Island, "The Bluff" at Victor Harbour, and many more.
Lastly, Leafy Sea Dragons are the official marine emblem of South Australia, and Carey Harmer, a guide, knows where the Leafies are being seen and how to get the best photographs of them. Their camouflage is considered one of the best in the animal kingdom, making them a fascinating subject for underwater photography. The ideal water temperature for Leafy Sea Dragons is 19 Celsius in the summer and 14 in the winter.
Whether you're an experienced diver or just starting out, the allure of the Leafy Sea Dragon makes a dive in South Australia an unforgettable adventure. So, grab your diving gear, and prepare for an encounter with one of the most beautiful fish in the world!
[1] Sea Dragon Dive Lodge: https://www.seadragondive.com.au/ [3] Tumby Bay and Port Lincoln: https://www.visitportlincoln.com.au/ and https://www.tumbybay.sa.gov.au/
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