A number of seashores in Guardamar del Segura, Spain, have been compelled to close down final week after an uncommon invasion of blue sea dragons, a uncommon however venomous species of sea slug, washed ashore.
The closure, confirmed by Mayor José Luis Sáez, was introduced as a precautionary measure to guard residents and vacationers from the damaging marine creatures that, regardless of their hanging look, can ship painful stings.
In a press release shared on Fb, the Guardamar police wrote, “Because of the look of the blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus), and for motives of citizen security, we’ve got banned all swimming on the entire municipal seashores till a brand new discover.” They additional added, “We urge neighbours and guests to respect the instructions, train warning and keep away from direct contact with specimens that will seem within the sand.”
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However what are blue sea dragons?
These marine creatures are among the many ocean’s most deceptively stunning but harmful creatures. These tiny, ethereal-looking sea slugs drift by means of heat ocean waters worldwide, their hanging blue and silver colouration making them seem virtually otherworldly as they float the other way up on the water’s floor.
Many mistakenly consider that they’re innocent and may be touched, however that might not be farther from the reality. Regardless of their delicate look and small measurement — sometimes solely 1-3 centimeters lengthy — blue sea dragons pose a major menace to people who encounter them. Their hazard lies not in their very own venom manufacturing however of their exceptional means to steal and focus the lethal toxins from their prey.
Why they’re thought of harmful?
These specialised predators feed virtually solely on venomous siphonophores, significantly the Portuguese man o’ struggle or bluebottle jellyfish and different poisonous sea creatures. When a blue sea dragon consumes its venomous prey, it doesn’t simply digest the toxins. As an alternative, by means of a fancy organic course of, it transports the stinging cells or nematocysts from its digestive system to specialised finger-like projections known as cerata on its again and sides.
What makes this significantly harmful is that blue sea dragons can focus these stolen toxins, making their sting doubtlessly stronger than that of their unique prey. When threatened or dealt with, they will discharge these concentrated nematocysts, delivering an especially painful and doubtlessly harmful sting. The ache has been described as excruciating, typically accompanied by welts, nausea, and in some circumstances, allergic reactions that may result in critical medical problems.
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The concentrated nature of their stolen venom signifies that even a small blue sea dragon can ship a extra intense sting than a a lot bigger Portuguese man o’ struggle. This makes encounters with washed-up blue dragons on seashores significantly hazardous, as beachgoers is perhaps tempted to choose up what seems to be a ravishing creature.
The way to keep protected?
Their look serves as an ideal instance of nature’s warning colouration. For people, the important thing to security is straightforward: admire these exceptional creatures from a distance and by no means try and deal with them, whether or not within the water or washed up on shore.
