Saturday, Mar 28, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai: The latest addition to the Dubai Mall aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the seahorse-like Leafy Sea Dragon that is native to southern and western Australia.
'Leafies', as they are known, are a unique animal species in which the males carry the young in a stomach pouch. As soon as they are born, the young ones are independent and are left to fend for themselves.
Their name comes from their appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions from all over the body.
There are only a very small number of aquariums around the world that feature the creatures. They grow to a maximum size of 43cm and are mostly found hiding away in weed and grassy beds, as well as man-made structures such as piers.
Their conservation status indicates that they are 'near threatened' species, which are at 'low risk' of extinction.
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
