Daniel Sly
Portrait of a Leafy Seadragon
Leafy Seadragon, Australia, 2024
Category - Ocean Worlds
A leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) drifts gracefully beneath the iconic Rapid Bay Jetty in South Australia. The ‘holy grail’ of South Australian underwater photography, this elusive creature is a master of disguise, with leaf-like appendages that blend seamlessly with its seaweed-covered surroundings. Rapid Bay is one of the few places in the world where divers can encounter this remarkable species in its natural habitat, a reminder of the incredible diversity hidden beneath the waves. Leafy seadragons, like many marine species, rely on healthy ecosystems to thrive, making their presence here a testament to the importance of preserving these underwater sanctuaries for future generations.
60 mm f/2.8 Lens - 1/4 sec at f/10 ISO 50