Ruby seadragon

Ruby seadragon
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Syngnathiformes
Family: Syngnathidae
Subfamily: Syngnathinae
Genus: Phyllopteryx
Species: P. dewysea
Binomial name
Phyllopteryx dewysea
Stiller, Wilson, & Rouse, 2015

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.[1][2][3]

The team that discovered this species 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.[4]

References

  1. Geggel, Laura (February 18, 2015). "Ruby-Red Sea Dragon Is Brand-New Species". livescience.com. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
  2. "Rare Ruby Seadragon uncovered in Western Australia". Western Australian Museum. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  3. Stiller, Josefin; Wilson, Nerida G.; Rouse, Greg W. (18 February 2015). "A spectacular new species of seadragon (Syngnathidae)". Royal Society Open Science. The Royal Society. 2 (2). doi:10.1098/rsos.140458. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
  4. Mihai, Andrei (February 20, 2015). "New Seadragon Species Discovered After 150 Years – Ruby Seadragon Uses Color as Camouflage". ZME Science. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
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