Subfamily Syngnathinae Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Genus Phyllopteryx Higher classification Phyllopteryx | |
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Similar Common seadragon, Drosera magnifica, Phytotelmatrichis osopaddington, Iuiuniscus iuiuensis, Chelonoidis donfaustoi | ||
Ruby seadragon first glimpse in wild
The ruby seadragon (Phyllopteryx dewysea) is a marine fish in the family Syngnathidae, which also includes seahorses. It inhabits the coast of Western Australia. The species was first described in 2015, making it only the third known species of seadragon, and the first to be discovered in 150 years. A specimen found on shore in 2007 was 23.5 cm (9.3 in) long.
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The team that discovered this species, which included Nerida Wilson, named the marine fish after its color and they believe it is so red because it inhabits the deeper waters, where red hues are absorbed more efficiently and being red colored can help camouflage.
In April 2016, researchers used an underwater camera to film a video of a live specimen for the first time, publishing their findings in January 2017. The video confirmed that the ruby seadragon has stumpy lobes, rather than the longer (weedy) or elaborate (leafy) lobes that protrude from the other seadragons in the family Syngnathidae.
Ruby seadragon discovered
