Have you ever encountered a tiny, almost alien-like, blue creature on the beach? These alien-like slugs, called blue sea dragons, while beautiful, are also quite venomous. Come find out what makes them so unusual and why you should never get too close.
What Are Blue Sea Dragons?
Blue sea dragons are miniature but tough marine slugs with the scientific name Glaucus atlanticus. These microscopic monsters are only an inch long and drift on the oceans’ surface, carried away by tides. Their intense blue colour helps them camouflage with the water surface in order to avoid predators that feed on them from the surface of the water.
The Venomous Sting
Regardless of their size, blue sea dragons are venomous. They feed on other larger and toxic animals, including the Portuguese man of war, and then integrate the venom into their systems. This makes their sting very painful, and anyone who has been stung by them will attest to that.
The Floating ‘Blue Fleet’
Blue sea dragons are usually seen in clusters. They travel in groups known as the “blue fleet” which float on water currents. When strong winds push them towards the shore they may get stranded in large numbers and surprise beach goers.
Where Do They Live?
Classic literature states that blue sea dragons are located in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. But due to changes in ocean temperatures, they have been spotted in areas like Florida, Texas and North Carolina. It is thought that their numbers are expanding.
How Do They Hunt?
Blue sea dragons may be small but they are one of the most dangerous predators. They use their wing-like structure to capture their prey and feed on venomous jellyfish and siphonophores. They not only withstand the toxins, they incorporate them and make them their weapons.
Beach Warnings: The Purple Flag
If you see a purple flag when you’re at the beach then you should be worried. This is a danger sign that is used to show that there are dangerous marine organisms such as the blue sea dragons. These flags are displayed by lifeguards when there are high risks of stings from various organisms in the water or drowned creatures that have washed up on shore.
The Danger of Touching One
It may be tempting to pick up a blue sea dragon for a closer look, but that’s a bad idea. Their venom is very toxic and can cause severe pain, nausea, and allergic reactions in humans. Even the dead ones on the beach can still sting, so it’s far better to keep a distance.
The High Fertility of These Species
These small organisms reproduce very frequently, and the female sea slug lays between 20 and 24 eggs at a time. They tend to stick their eggs on any piece of wood or other marine object or even on the body of a dead marine animal. The eggs are ready to hatch in a couple of days to ensure that there is a sufficient number of larvae in the ocean.
Are They a Threat to Humans?
Blue sea dragons are not poisonous to humans in the sense that they attack people. However, accidental contact can have painful consequences. People who go to the beach should be aware that these creatures can be found along the shore more often during strong onshore winds.
Why Are Sightings Increasing?
Blue sea dragons are moving to new areas because of the changing water temperatures and currents. Climate change may be helping them thrive, which means that we are likely to see more of them on the beach in the future. More studies are needed to determine how the species’ range is expanding.
How to Stay Safe
If you ever get a chance to see a blue sea dragon it’s recommended that you do not touch it. Pay attention to the warning flags and inform relevant authorities if you notice large numbers of them. Wearing water shoes will also provide some protection in shallow waters.
Respecting the Wonders of the Sea
Blue sea dragons are one of the many examples of the wonders of the sea. Although they look like little sea sprites, they are genuine killers with a sting to match. It is therefore advisable to take a closer look at them when they are in their natural environment, and let nature take its course.
