Phycodurus eques, commonly known as the leafy seadragon, is a marine fish found along the southern and western coasts of Australia. It is renowned for its leaf-like appendages that provide exceptional camouflage among seaweed and kelp. Leafy seadragons are slow-moving and rely on their elaborate body extensions to blend into their environment for protection against predators.

Phycodurus eques, commonly known as the leafy seadragon, is native to the southern and western coasts of Australia. Its geographical distribution primarily includes the waters off the shores of South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Leafy seadragons inhabit temperate coastal waters, typically found at depths ranging from 3 to 50 meters. They prefer areas with sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and kelp-covered areas. The water temperature in these regions generally ranges from 10 to 22°C (50 to 72°F).

Leafy seadragons are adapted to live in environments where they can effectively camouflage themselves among seaweed and kelp due to their leaf-like appendages. They primarily feed on small crustaceans, plankton, and larval fishes. Their ecological niche involves serving as both a predator of small marine organisms and a prey item for larger predators, thereby contributing to the marine food web.