Structural
You see those leafy appendages? They use those for hiding in seaweed, leaves, etc. They use these useful appendages to hide from potential predators, such as large fish that can accidentally swallow them because they are so small.
There are sharp spines that run along what is known as its "dorsal surface" and they basically wrap around its body. They use these to defend themselves and their offspring from threats that can eat them by stabbing the threat with the spines.
Unlike their brethren, the seahorses, who have scales, the Leafy Seadragon has armor-like, jointed plates.
The body of the Leafy Seadragon is flattened "laterally. They also swim horizontally.
Because the Leafy Seadragon is solid, it has limited movement while swimming.
The long...snout...thingy... protruding from its face is actually its mouth!
There are sharp spines that run along what is known as its "dorsal surface" and they basically wrap around its body. They use these to defend themselves and their offspring from threats that can eat them by stabbing the threat with the spines.
Unlike their brethren, the seahorses, who have scales, the Leafy Seadragon has armor-like, jointed plates.
The body of the Leafy Seadragon is flattened "laterally. They also swim horizontally.
Because the Leafy Seadragon is solid, it has limited movement while swimming.
The long...snout...thingy... protruding from its face is actually its mouth!
Behavioral
The Leafy Seadragon mostly swims solo.
Whenever food becomes scarce, they migrate to deeper water.
When winter starts to draw to a close, the Leafy Seadragons move to shallow bays, and they form "congregations" to pair together and eventually mate together.
"Ventral" and "Pelvic" fins are rapidly oscillating, and help propel itself through the water.
The only use for its pectoral fins is for maneuvering.
In their "swim bladders", they hold air that fluctuates, helping them hold their position vertically or move up and down in a water column.
Whenever food becomes scarce, they migrate to deeper water.
When winter starts to draw to a close, the Leafy Seadragons move to shallow bays, and they form "congregations" to pair together and eventually mate together.
"Ventral" and "Pelvic" fins are rapidly oscillating, and help propel itself through the water.
The only use for its pectoral fins is for maneuvering.
In their "swim bladders", they hold air that fluctuates, helping them hold their position vertically or move up and down in a water column.
Physiological
Wanna know something else that's cool about their leafy appendages? They can change color depending on their seaweed/seagrass environments! This helps majorly in hiding them from threats.
Overall Usage: Protection
All of these adaptations-Structural, Behavioral, and Physiological- are used for protecting itself from danger, as their leafy appendages and their ability to camouflage themselves hides them from predators.