Robert's Ramblings

We entered the water eager to see the condition of the headland reef and buoyed by recent reports of other divers who had seen the dragons.

Snorkelling across the bay, we encountered a returning group of divers. Their disappointed question was, "Do you know where the dragons are?" We simply did not know, so we never made the returning group feel like they had missed out.

We explored the very healthy-looking sea grass. We investigated the headland and into the western bay beyond. No dragons.

We looped back again to explore the ledges and caves of the headland. Still no dragons.

Then I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look but only saw Andy offering wild gesticulations. He had found something. And then, there they were, not one but two beautiful weedy seadragons on the edge of the reef.

South Australia is world-renowned as a destination for observing leafy seadragons, but the weedies, or common seadragons, are by far my favourites. Their striking patterns and gorgeous colours make them spectacular. It was a joy and a privilege to see and get to photograph these amazing critters.

Despite the algal bloom, the two dragons we found seemed alert, happy, and only slightly annoyed at my paparazzi presence. Thank you, Andy, for your keen eye.

There be dragons indeed.


#PhyllopteryxTtaeniolatus #CommonSeadragon #WeedySeadragon #SecondValley #SouthAustralia #scuba #diving #underwater #photography