Sea Dragon -- B&W
The Penguin photos are mine that I took at the New York Aquarium. The Sea Dragon photo I got off of the internet, as the photo I had wasn't very clear. Here is some background information on Sea Dragons:
Sea dragons are some of the most ornately camouflaged creatures on the planet. Adorned with gossamer, leaf-shaped appendages over their entire bodies, they are perfectly outfitted to blend in with the seaweed and kelp formations they live amongst.
Endemic to the waters off south and east Australia, leafy and weedy sea dragons are closely related to seahorses and pipefish. Leafies are generally brown to yellow in body color with spectacular olive-tinted appendages. Weedies have less flamboyant projections and are usually reddish in color with yellow spots.
It is found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. The name is derived from the appearance, with long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over the body. These protrusions are not used for propulsion; they serve only as camouflage. The leafy seadragon propels itself by means of a pectoral fin on the ridge of its neck and a dorsal fin on its back closer to the tail end. These small fins are almost completely transparent and difficult to see as they undulate minutely to move the creature sedately through the water, completing the illusion of floating seaweed. Popularly known as "leafies", it is the marine emblem of the state of South Australia and a focus for local marine conservation.
Supplies Used:
AFT Black & Gold Collection -- Papers-Black at 74% Opacity and Gold
BMU One Yellow Paper -- Butterfly
TYO Sails and Whales -- Fish, Jelly Fish
SBA Sandy Shores -- Sand Dollar
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