Blue dragons hit Muizenberg shore

Beachgoers at Muizenberg were met with an unusual and potentially dangerous sight this morning after several blue dragon sea slugs washed up along the shoreline, reports Cape {town} Etc.

The tiny creatures, scientifically known as Glaucus atlanticus, are instantly recognisable by their electric-blue colouring and delicate, wing-like limbs, but experts warn that their striking appearance hides a serious threat.

Despite measuring less than three centimetres in length, blue dragons are extremely venomous and can sting even when they are dead. Authorities have urged the public not to touch them under any circumstances and to keep children and pets well away from the affected areas.

Blue dragons are surface-dwelling sea slugs that float upside down using a gas-filled sac in their bodies, allowing them to drift with ocean currents and winds. They are usually found in warm, open oceans but are sometimes carried closer to shore after strong winds or rough seas. Their blue-and-silver colouring acts as camouflage, protecting them from predators both above and below the water.

What makes them particularly dangerous is their diet. Blue dragons feed on venomous marine animals such as Portuguese man o’ wars, and instead of being harmed, they store the stinging cells from their prey in their own tissues. As a result, their sting can be just as painful, or even more intense, than that of the creatures they feed on.

Contact with a blue dragon can cause immediate and severe pain, along with skin inflammation, swelling and raised welts. In some cases, nausea and vomiting have also been reported. Anyone who is stung should rinse the affected area with seawater only, as freshwater can worsen the reaction, and apply heat by soaking the area in hot water that is as warm as tolerable. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms intensify or if there are signs of an allergic reaction.

While blue dragons are rarely encountered, their appearance on popular beaches serves as a reminder that marine life, no matter how small or beautiful, should be treated with caution. Beachgoers are advised to admire these rare visitors from a safe distance and report sightings to local authorities.

Article shared by Cape Town Etc

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