The Return of the Blue Dragon: Sightings, Dangers, and First Aid
|| ScubaLiveTV || Insights || Actuality || Interviews || TV Web || History || Scuba Diving || Freediving || Video collection || Nature and Environment || Collaborate with us ||
Credit photo: Solarpix
The Return of the Blue Dragon: Sightings, Dangers, and First Aid
Recent Sightings in Europe
In recent days, several beaches in Spain, including Guardamar del Segura (Costa Blanca), Lanzarote, and Gibraltar, have reported unusual appearances of the Blue Dragon (Glaucus atlanticus).
Unexpected protagonists of crowded summer scenes, these tiny nudibranchs have led to temporary beach closures for safety reasons.
Why is it dangerous?
The Blue Dragon feeds on creatures like the Portuguese man-o-war and other venomous siphonophores. It is capable of storing their nematocysts—powerful stinging cells—inside its cerata, making itself far more venomous than its prey.
Touching one, even by accident—and whether alive or dead—can cause an extremely painful sting with potentially serious systemic effects.
Credit photo: Solarpix
Symptoms of contact
If stung, the main symptoms include:
- Sharp, burning pain
- Redness, swelling, blistering
- Nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, or severe allergic reactions
- Possible residual hyperpigmentation of the skin
What to do if stung
- Do not rub the area—this can activate more nematocysts.
- Rinse with seawater, never fresh water, to wash off stinging remnants.
- Remove tentacles with tweezers, never with bare hands.
- Apply hot water (around 42–45 °C / 107–113 °F) or warm compresses for 20–45 minutes to relieve pain.
- Seek immediate medical assistance, especially if allergic or respiratory symptoms occur.
Why it matters
Though tiny (just 3–4 cm long), this nudibranch packs a powerful defense. Recent sightings are likely linked to changing ocean currents and climate change. Underestimating its risks would be a mistake: it’s as dangerous as it is beautiful.
In summary: what to remember
- Admire from afar, never touch.
- If stung, act fast: seawater rinse, remove tentacles, hot water, and seek medical care.
- The Blue Dragon is not just stunning, it’s also dangerous—respect the ocean always.
Credit photo: Solarpix
Photo credit: Solarpix
Author: Francesco Cordone
