Weedy seadragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus), part of the Syngnathiformes order—which also includes seahorses—are small, fascinating fish known for their unique appearance and reproductive habits. Despite their ominous name, they reach only about 18 inches in length and feature colorful, streamer-like growths that resemble seaweed, providing camouflage.
This year, during Father’s Day, celebrated for over a century in the U.S. to honor parental dedication and sacrifices, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio made a remarkable contribution to marine conservation. They observed four male weedy seadragons, each carrying eggs on their tails—a rare sight. No other public aquarium has hosted four egg-bearing males simultaneously, marking a significant milestone.
The most astonishing aspect of these fish is their reproduction process. After mating, female seadragons deposit fertilized eggs onto a specialized patch on the male’s tail. The male then takes on the role of caring for the brood until the eggs hatch in approximately six to eight weeks. This parental role reversal highlights the extraordinary nature of their reproductive strategy.
While male seahorses use a brood pouch to store their eggs, male seadragons instead use a brood patch.
While the egg-bearing dragons are certainly a sight to behold, this occasion also doubles as a breakthrough for ocean conservation.
Weedy seadragons have a reputation for being particularly difficult to breed in captivity—and while esteemed institutions like the New England Aquarium and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium have had success in the past, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the first to record four egg-carrying males all at the same time. So far, the program has been a resounding success, with many of the early hatchlings moved to a separate facility for the next year until they reach maturity.
Over the next few months, the fry will gorge themselves on thousands of tiny crustaceans each week, while the institution’s Animal Care team will be hard at work to ensure that as many as possible can reach full maturity.
Father’s Day visitors can marvel at these eye-catching syngnathids to their hearts’ content, but of course, there’s far more to see at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium than just dragons.
During a visit to the Congo Expedition exhibit, patrons can spot tropical rainforest-dwelling creatures like the okapi and western lowland gorilla, while the Asia Quest zone draws crowds in droves thanks to residents like the Asian elephant, Amur tiger and Pallas’ cat.
And while charismatic megafauna can be encountered in abundance across zoo limits, the institution also works closely with less-recognized animals like the hellbender, black-and-white ruffed lemur and leatherback sea turtle, each one subject to ambitious conservation programs that seek to ensure the future survival of each species.
The weedy seadragon is endemic to the waters of southern Australia.
While Father’s Day tends to focus on the human side of society, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is highlighting the tenacity of the entire animal kingdom this year, with four expectant fathers flourishing within the institution. Though often considered difficult to breed in captivity, this collection of four egg-bearing males acts as a beacon of hope for the future of marine wildlife conservation, ultimately highlighting the need for exemplary zoos and aquariums to support the battle for preserving global biodiversity.
