What the Heck Is This?

By

OK, for today's image we'll start right off with a hint: It's something in the sea.

And another hint: If you saw this thing floating next to you, you might not know if it's a plant or animal.

Yeah, those aren't great hints. But that's all you get. Continue below for the explanation and the full image …

This is Glauerts seadragon (Phycodurus eques), a marine fish that's in the same family as seahorses.  It's also called the Leafy Seadragon, as you might imagine.

"This fish is found along the southern and western coast of Australia," say the photographers, Linda and Dr. Dick Buscher. "It gets its name from the long leaf-like outgrowths that cover its body that serve only as camouflage."

The camouflage lets this sea dragon hunt without being noticed for what it is. [Gallery: Scariest Sea Creatures]

With all these protrusions, Glauerts seadragon (Phycodurus eques) gives the illusion of floating seaweed as it hunts crustaceans, shrimp and small fish. (Image credit: Linda and Dr. Dick Buscher)

Got a strange or interesting photo related to science, nature or technology? What the Heck, send it to me, and maybe I'll use it. Or follow me on Twitter, or Facebook.