Aquarium adds new specimen

The Underwater World near Pattaya has introduced rare specimens of the Leafy Sea Dragon (Phycodurus eques) and Weedy Sea Dragon (Phyllopteryx teaniolatus) at its aquarium. Found naturally in the waters of south Australia, the former lives at depths of 4.30 metres and the latter 3-50 metres.

The mature Leafy Sea Dragon is 43 centimetres long and the Weedy specimen 46 centimetres.

Toothless, with pipe-like mouth, they feed on small creatures like the tiny shrimp. To stay away from the prying eyes of predators, these species hide among sea kelp. Like other sea dragons, the male will tend the eggs until they are fertilised. In three weeks, young siblings grow to 70 millimetres.

The Leafy Sea Dragon is green to pale brownish green with white dots when it matures. The colour varies depending on its habitat. The Weedy Sea Dragon is reddish orange with white dots.

For more details, call 038-756-879.
Bangkok Post October 2005 www.bangkokpost.com