video: Researchers at Scripps Oceanography and the Western Australian Museum capture on video the first-ever field sighting of the newly discovered third species of seadragon. As they observed two Ruby Seadragons on video for nearly 30 minutes, the scientists uncovered new details about their anatomy, habitat, and behavior. view more
Credit: Scripps Oceanography/UC San Diego
In hopes of getting a rare glimpse of the newly discovered third species of seadragon, researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego and the Western Australian Museum led a scientific expedition off the coast of Western Australia to find Ruby Seadragons in the wild.
After several days of searching with a mini-remotely operated vehicle in waters over 50-meters (164-feet) deep, the researchers got what they came for--the first-ever field sightings of the fish near Western Australia's Recherche Archipelago. As they observed two Ruby Seadragons on video for nearly 30 minutes, the scientists uncovered new details about their anatomy, habitat, and behavior.
This latest discovery of the fish in the wild confirmed that Ruby Seadragons lack ornate leaf-like appendages, a feature that scientists had long considered to be distinguishing characteristics of all seadragons based upon the two known species--Common and Leafy seadragons. Both species use their leaf-like appendages as camouflage in the lush seaweed and kelp meadows where they prefer to live.
Last year, Scripps Oceanography marine biologists Josefin Stiller and Greg Rouse, and Nerida Wilson of the Western Australian Museum described the previously unknown Ruby Seadragon from preserved specimens misidentified as Common Seadragons--one of which was collected nearly one hundred years ago.
Using the preserved specimens, the researchers were able to assemble a rotating 3-D model of the new seadragon using a CT (computer tomography) scan of 5,000 X-ray slices. This is when the lack of elaborate appendages common to all other seadragons first stood out to them.
To determine if the fish truly lacked appendages, or if the museum specimens had lost them prior to or during the collection process, the researchers needed to observe them in the wild. The team partnered with the Australia-based ROV company Total Marine Technology to help observe the new species in its natural environment, which is too deep for regular scuba diving.
"It was really quite an amazing moment," said Scripps graduate student Stiller, a coauthor of the new study published in the Jan. 13 issue of the journal Marine Biodiversity Records. "It never occurred to me that a seadragon could lack appendages because they are characterized by their beautiful camouflage leaves."
The second surprise came when they saw that the Ruby Seadragon had a prehensile, or curled tail, similar to that of their seahorse and pipefish relatives, but unlike other seadragon species. From the new observations, the researchers suggest that Ruby Seadragons may use their curled tail to hold on to objects in the high-surge waters where they are found.
During encounters with the fish, the researchers also observed it feed by striking at prey, a behavior common to the species. These observations of the species in the wild confirmed the fish's ruby red coloration and that their habitat lacks kelp and seagrass, but instead is dominated by sponges, once considered an undesirable habitat for seadragons.
The researchers believe the Ruby Seadragon lost its appendages through evolution, and that its red color acts as camouflage in the deeper dimly lit waters where it lives. Whether they evolved a curly tail independently from their pipefish ancestors, or simply retained it while the other seadragons lost it, will require further study.
"There are so many discoveries still awaiting us in southern Australia," said Wilson, a coauthor of the study. "Western Australia has such a diverse range of habitats, and each one is deserving of attention."
In hopes of safeguarding the new species from overfishing, the research team recommends that the Ruby Seadragon be protected as soon as possible.
"Until last year, no one had ever suspected a third species of seadragon existed," said Rouse, lead author of the study and curator of the Scripps Benthic Invertebrate Collection. "This discovery was made thanks to the great benefit of museum collections."
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The Lowe Family Foundation and Total Marine Technology supported the research.
Following in the footsteps of its successful Seahorse Propagation Program, now in its 21st year, Birch Aquarium at Scripps has developed a seadragon propagation program. Seadragons are heavily protected in Australia and programs such as the one at Birch Aquarium can help safeguard these animals in the wild. Visitors can see Common and Leafy seadragons at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps exhibit "There's Something About Seahorses."
About Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for global science research and education in the world. Now in its second century of discovery, the scientific scope of the institution has grown to include biological, physical, chemical, geological, geophysical, and atmospheric studies of the earth as a system. Hundreds of research programs covering a wide range of scientific areas are under way today on every continent and in every ocean. The institution has a staff of more than 1,400 and annual expenditures of approximately $195 million from federal, state, and private sources. Scripps operates oceanographic research vessels recognized worldwide for their outstanding capabilities. Equipped with innovative instruments for ocean exploration, these ships constitute mobile laboratories and observatories that serve students and researchers from institutions throughout the world. Birch Aquarium at Scripps serves as the interpretive center of the institution and showcases Scripps research and a diverse array of marine life through exhibits and programming for more than 430,000 visitors each year. Learn more at scripps.ucsd.edu and follow us at: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we constantly push boundaries and challenge expectations. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren't afraid to take risks and redefine conventional wisdom. Today, as one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth, and make our world a better place. Learn more at http://www.ucsd.edu.
About the Western Australian Museum
The Western Australian Museum is the State's premier cultural organisation, housing WA's scientific and cultural collection. For 125 years the Western Australian Museum has been making the State's natural and social heritage accessible and engaging to all through research, exhibitions and public programs. The WA Museum's mission is to inspire people to explore and share their identity, culture, environment and sense of place, and contribute to the diversity and creativity of our world. Learn more at http://www.museum.wa.gov.au
Journal
Marine Biodiversity Records