The depth of our planet continues to be exemplified, as new and exciting species keep revealing themselves. A mysterious creature has rolled through the beaches of Australia by the hundreds, with experts already warning people to stay away from them. Freshwater and Curl Curl Beach have been washed up with these alien-like blue dragons that have left people curious and wondering.
Glaucus Atlantic, also known as the blue angel, sea swallow, and blue dragon, have appeared in large quantities in North Sydney, floating upside down, and riding the ocean’s currents. The Sun reports that the blue dragon is a killer, preying on larger organisms like ‘the Portuguese man o’ war’, a large jellyfish-like creature with an extremely powerful sting, and has the ability to absorb its prey’s venom.
According to The Sun, the blue creature can grow up to 3 centimetres and float with its bright blue underside, or the “foot”, facing upwards to camouflage them from the sea, with its upside blending in with the sky. Melissa Murray of the Australian Museum revealed that these creatures feed on each other, and normally have tentacles in their system. If another creature attempts to eat it, they use the tentacles as a defence mechanism.
The ‘blue sea slugs’ are hermaphrodites, being both male and female, and upon mating, both partners lay a string of eggs together. The Daily Mail reports that they live in warm, tropical waters and follow the current, which ultimately leads to them being washed up on the shore.
International visitors have been in awe at the sight of these majestic creatures, capturing photos all over social media. A traveller from Alaska by the name of Miranda Atkinson admits it was “one of the coolest things” she’s seen on her trip, and that she “would’ve thought they were fake if there weren’t so many.” Fortunately, the beach invasion was captured by many, silencing any doubters who may be questioning the validity.
As beautiful and inviting as they are to approach, they contain a poisonous sting that can be fatal. “If you do see one, don’t pick it up with your hands. Use a bucket with water instead,” Melissa Murray advised on the 7 News Channel.
The ‘blue dragons of the sea’ show the wondrous diversity of species that arise on our planet, and leave you wondering what else may be out there, just waiting to be discovered, too.
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