Ocean reefs teem with life, from tiny creatures such as nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses to imposing whale sharks and enormous coral. These ecosystems, if healthy, are often biodiversity hotspots, supporting a rich variety of species.
Many of the animals you’d find in reefs have an impressive ability to blend in among their surroundings – such as this swimming creature filmed in the video below.
But can you guess which animal it is in less than 7 seconds? Your time starts… now!
Want a clue? OK, it’s a type of fish that’s endemic to the waters off south and east Australia.
Still not sure? It’s named after the leaf-like appendages found along its body.
If you think you’ve guessed correctly, scroll to the bottom of the article to reveal the answer.
More wildlife stories from around the world
- A rare and ghostly shape just appeared in the Great Barrier Reef
- It's longer than a bed, covered in slime and has teeth in its throat – meet this giant hunter of the reef
- “Talk about a once in a lifetime experience.” See amazing moment 8 massive whales surprise divers on the Great Barrier Reef
- “Straight out of a sci-fi film." Diver spots strange animal on Great Barrier Reef. What it was doing blew her mind
Answer: the animal in the video is a leafy seadragon.
Video and image credit: BBC Natural History/Getty Images








