Experts warn of hidden danger from the ‘blue dragon’ returning to European beaches

The Mediterranean coast can be the perfect place to enjoy summer days but even that is not without some risks. Visitors will need to be wary of strong currents and local wildlife, which may include the return of a little-known creature known as a ‘blue dragon’.

The Galucus atlanticus is an extremely rare sight on European beaches but visitors to some Spanish coastal areas are being warned to be on the look-out after a sighting on the island of Mallorca.

The animal is actually a species of sea slug but its strange, spiky appearance has given rise to a number of striking nicknames. Namely, blue sea dragon, sea swallow, blue angel, blue glaucus, dragon slug, blue sea slug and blue ocean slug. They are most commonly found in tropical or subtropical regions, floating on the surface of the water by using air stored inside its stomach.

Danger posed to beach-goers

Murcia Today reports that it had been 300 years since the blue dragon had been seen on the beaches of Mallorca. The last recorded sighting on the island came in 1705 but marine experts believe that the recent sighting is not just a random curiosity.

As a result of wider environmental shifts the sea temperatures have risen, making part of the Spanish coast more similar to the tropical regions where the animal is more commonly found. Altered current patterns may also have brought greater numbers of jellyfish, a key part of the blue dragon diet.

It is the tendency to eat certain kinds of jellyfish that gives the blue dragon its poisonous bite. Rather than producing its own venom, the blue dragon stores the stinging cells from species like the Velella velella and the Portuguese man-of-war, using them for its own protection.

With the temperatures increasing over the height of summer experts warn that there could be more sightings going forward. If stung, medical advice suggests that victims should rinse the area with salt water and avoid rubbing the skin. If the pain continues, seek in-person medical advice.

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