Seadragonfly

Discovery LocationCoral Reefs of the Philippines

Lead ResearcherDr. Kai Ishikawa

Field Report Summary

Physical Description

Tiny creature, no larger than a human hand. Possesses the body and upright posture of a seahorse. Instead of fins, it has two pairs of iridescent, dragonfly-like wings. Its body is translucent, with glowing blue stripes. Large, bulbous eyes provide excellent vision in low light. Small prehensile tail for gripping coral.

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs

Dietary Behavior

Hunts small crustaceans and plankton with a specialized extendable jaw.

Evolutionary Origin

An example of convergent evolution, adapting dragonfly flight patterns to underwater environments through seahorse-like morphology.

Behavioral Notes

Performs elaborate aerial mating dances above the coral reefs.