an Australian marine fish, Phyllopteryx foliatus, Shaw. See Sea-Dragon.
1880. Mrs. Meredith, `Tasmanian Friends and Foes,' pl. 7:
«`Superb-Dragon – – Phyllopteryx Foliatus.' This is one of the`Pipe fishes,' order Lophobranchii. It has beencompared to the ghost of a seahorse ( Hippocampus) withits winding sheet all in ribbons around it; and the tatteredcerements are like in shape and colour to the seaweed itfrequents, so that it hides and feeds in safety. The long endsof ribs which seem to poke through the skin to excite ourcompassion are really `protective resemblances,' and serve toallure the prey more effectually within reach of these awfulghouls. Just as the leaf-insect is imitative of a leaf, andthe staff insect of a twig, so here is a fish like a bunch ofseaweed. (Tenison-Woods.)» [Compare Phasmid.]
n. any Australian bird ofthe genus Malurus (q.v.), especially M. cyaneus,the Blue Wren. 1847. L. L...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
n. any Australian fish of any oneof the three species of the genus Phyllopteryx, family Syngnathida...
Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris