Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Mimicry

Leafy sea dragon that listed as a near threatened species and endemic to Australia. It was always difficult to find them due to mimic the surrounding kelp although their size of 40 cm even. It is one of the most beautiful elaborate mimicry creatures on the earth. It has been captured for ornamental purposes because of this beautiful appearance, and is vulnerable to stress, so the number has been reduced.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2020
Date Uploaded: 05.2021
Photo Location: Australia
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Sayaka Ichinoseki