Glaucus atlanticus was recently found in the Humboldt Current ecosystem in Peru in 2013, and off Andhra Pradesh in India in 2012. [19] After mating, both individuals are able to lay eggs and can release up to 20 on an egg string, often laying them in wood pieces or carcasses. When feeding on its preferred prey, Portuguese man o' wars, the blue gaucus stores the stinging nematocysts created by the preys notoriously long, venomous tentacles these tentacles may average up to 30 feet long! They can be found in the open sea floating upside down by using a gas sac in their stomach to stay up … Despite its impressive arsenal of defense tactics, the blue glaucus rarely reaches more than 3 centimeters long. Blue glaucus can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long. But what they lack in size, they make up for in ferocity and beauty. The “sea bunny” nudibranch … Description . They are carried along by ocean currents while floating upside down by using the surface tension of the water in order to stay up. Wikipedia/Sylke Rohrlach. Like most sea slugs, the blue dragon is hermaphroditic, which means that he can produce both eggs and sperm, but requires a mate to fertilise the eggs. G. atlanticus is small—the largest specimens can reach about an inch and a half in length—but it packs quite a punch. As stated before, the Blue Glaucus is very popular. Gastropods also have a foot and all young gastropods undergo a process called torsion in their larval stage. This ability provides the blue glaucus with a defense mechanism against predation. The slugs are silvery grey on their bellies to help them blend in with the surface when observed from below. This nudibranch is pelagic, and there is some evidence that it occurs throughout the world's oceans, in temperate and tropical waters. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Due to the location of the gas sac, this species floats upside down. This species of sea slug is not defenseless as it floats. With the aid of a gas-filled sac in its stomach, G. atlanticus floats at the surface. This is true with small fishes, Ma n o’ Wars, and Blue Glaucus’. [17] The nematocysts are collected in specialized sacs (cnidosacs) at the tip of the animal's cerata, the thin feather-like "fingers" on its body. This sea slug stores stinging nematocysts from the siphonophores within its own tissues as defence against predators. An air bubble stored in its stomach keeps the nudibranch afloat. 3. Glaucus atlanticus is a species of sea slam that goes by many names, like blue angel, blue glaucus, blue dragon, blue sea slug, blue ocean slug and, in a strange twist of a name that doesn't reflect its ultramarine dyestuff, the sea gulp. [21] The symptoms that may appear after being stung are nausea, pain, vomiting, acute allergic contact dermatitis, erythema, urticarial papules, potential vesicle formation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.[22]. The Blue Sea Slug, also known as the Blue Ocean Slug, Blue Glaucus, Sea Swallow, Sea Lizard and Sea Dragon, not to mention Glaucus atlanticus. Facts about the Blue Dragon Slug. The blue dragon’s bizarre appearance is just the beginning. And, unlike most benthic nudibranchs, this species lives throughout the entire water column. The Glaucus Atlanticus were discovered by … Occasionally, individuals attack and eat other individuals in captivity. [18] Picking up the animal can result in a painful sting, with symptoms similar to those caused by the Portuguese man o' war. The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a type of mollusk known as a nudibranch. This creature lays eggs in … I picked these blue dragons up from the sand where they were washed up and dying. Blue Ocean Slug. - blue ocean slug Glaucus Atlanticus are marine gastropod mollusks, which means they are soft, 'naked' sea snails but don't use a shell unlike most mollusks. American Malacological Bulletin, vol. Glaucus atlanticus makes use of countershading: the blue side of their body faces upwards, blending in with the blue of the water. Once fertilised, a string of eggs is released and can sometimes contain 36 to 96 eggs in them. [6] Studies have indicated that the G. atlanticus is not globally panmictic but is localized within ocean basins. The Glaucus atlanticus are sometimes known as Blue Dragon, Sea swallow, Blue Angel, or Blue Glaucus, a shell-less gastropod mollusk from the Glaucidae family. Blue Glaucus. Despite its impressive appearance, it rarely grows larger than three centimeters long. Sign our petition to tell GrubHub to take shark fin off the menu now – before the ocean’s most iconic predators disappear. http://ow.ly/HoEaH, Cephalopods, Crustaceans, & Other Shellfish, Fishing pressure can surge before marine reserves are created, new study finds, Ted Danson and Katharine McPhee Headline Oceana's SeaChange Summer Party, Oceana Celebrates Belize's Removal from UNESCO's Sites in Danger List, Fishery council safeguards 16,000 square miles off California, More than 362,000 Square Miles of Fragile Seafloor Habitats Protected from Destructive Bottom Trawling off U.S. Pacific Coast. STAGE 2: The Glaucus Atlanticus becomes a hatchling and gets ready to go to hunt in the open ocean. And I bet you thought dragons didn’t exist. [1][3] It shares the common name "Blue Dragon" with Pteraeolidia ianthina. Nudibranchs have a shell in their larval stage, but it disappears in the adult form. The radula of this species bears serrated teeth. The blue Dragon is a hermaphrodite. Amazing to watch! *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Predators below are thusly uninter… Blue Angel. This fabulous variety of marine gastropod also goes by numerous other names, however. It is known for its stinging nematocysts - a defense mechanism that makes it dangerous to not only other aquatic life, but humans as well. They are blue on their backs to help them blend in with the reflective surface of the ocean. Systematics is the study of the way in which organisms are related to … LIFE CYCLE STAGE 1: The Glaucus Atlanticus will hatch from the egg strings and will be about 1 cm. [12] Glaucus atlanticus was also recently found off Bermuda in January 2016,[13] and uncommonly washes ashore on East coast beaches at Barbados, Lesser Antilles. 1. Before finding Glaucus atlanticus off Andhra Pradesh, these nudibranchs were documented as having been seen in the Bay of Bengal and off the coast of Tamil Nadu, India, over 677 kilometers apart. This makes people want them as pets. Published on Feb 7, 2020 Blue sea dragons, who are also known as blue sea slugs and sea angels, are small marine gastropods that float on the surface of the ocean. Also known as the blue dragon, sea swallow or blue angel, the blue glaucus is a species of brightly colored sea slug (nudibranch), and can be found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans in temperate and tropical waters. The Blue Dragon lives throughout the world’s oceans, mostly in temperate and tropical waters. When feeding on its preferred prey, Portuguese man o' wars, the blue gaucus stores the stinging nematocysts created by the prey’s notoriously long, venomous tentacles — these tentacles may average up to 30 feet long! Crawl_Ray, Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0. These sea slugs are pelagic; they float upside down by using the surface tension of the water to stay up, where they are carried along by the winds and ocean currents. The rare "blue dragon" sea slug was first spotted on beaches in the park several weeks ago. [3] The G. atlanticus species geographical range increased northward by 150 km in the Gulf of California. The upper surface is actually the foot (the underside in other slugs and snail), and this has either a blue or blue-white coloration. G. atlanticus preys on other larger pelagic organisms. Glaucus atlanticus (common names include the sea swallow, blue angel, blue glaucus, dragon slug, blue dragon, blue sea slug and blue ocean slug) is a species of small, blue sea slug, a pelagic aeolid nudibranch, a shell-less gastropod mollusk in the family Glaucidae. Though they look like the left-behind offspring of some alien creatures, these bizarre creatures are 100% Earth-bred. The stinging cells are stored and concentrated for the future, so when the blue dragon is threatened or touched, it can release these stinging cells to deliver a far more potent sting than the Portuguese man o' war can alone… Although these sea slugs live on the open ocean, they sometimes accidentally wash up onto the shore, and therefore they may be found on beaches. The blue dragon is a master of disguise It may seem bright and beguiling once washed up onto a local beach, but when it’s in the water the blue dragon is a master of disguise, using its colours to blend with ocean and sky. The bright blue color acts as camouflage against the backdrop of ocean waves while the animal’s grayish backside blends with the bright sea surface, concealing it from predators below. Blue glaucuses eat large, venomous prey, such as the Portuguese man o’ war and the blue button jelly, and store their prey’s stinging cells in their bodies to later use against predators. It is a sea slug and its scientific name is the Glaucus Atlanticus. This makes predators think that it’s just another bit of water. Facts About the Blue Sea Slug (A Picture Book for Kids, Vol 169) At maturity Glaucus atlanticus can be up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in length,[4] though larger specimens have been found. 4. Humans handling the slug may receive a very painful and potentially dangerous sting. Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana. That appellation tincture is for more than it just show. [11], Since the middle of the 19th century, records of this species have been reported on the Azores.[5]. Blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus) are a species of nudibranch sea slug found in most tropical and temperate oceans around the globe. Its iridescent countershading coloration helps protect it from both airborne and marine predators. [15] 145–149. It fertilizes itself and lays its eggs on the remains of its prey. This is an example of a phenomenon known as countershading, helping the creature to avoid both flying and swimming predators while floating in open water. Handling the slug could result in a painful, and potentially dangerous, sting. Like most small marine invertebrates, little is known about the conservation status of the blue glaucus, especially given the species’ pelagic lifestyle in the open ocean. A blue dragon sea slug is shown at Padre Island National Seashore on May 2, 2020. Glaucus atlanticus (common names include the sea swallow, blue angel, blue glaucus, dragon slug, blue dragon, blue sea slug and blue ocean slug) is a species of small, blue sea slug, a pelagic aeolid nudibranch, a shell-less gastropod mollusk in the family Glaucidae.[2]. The sea slugs can move toward prey or mates by using their cerata to make slow swimming movements. It is camouflaged from above and below. Glaucus atlanticus, more commonly called the “blue dragon,” the “blue angel,” the “sea swallow,” or the “blue sea slug,” is an unusual mollusk devoid of a shell.The brilliant blue and silver markings provide contrasting camouflage for the creature through counter-shading, allowing the Blue Dragon to be camouflaged both above and below. We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people. Finally, the exotic pet trade is the main reason for the decrease in population. Glaucus Atlanticus are up to 3 cm long and weigh between 3-100 grams ; Their heads are blunt with tentacles near the mouth. "Occurrence of Glaucus Atlanticus in the Midriff Islands Region, Gulf of California, Mexico". This coloration is an example of countershading, which helps protect it from predators that might attack from below and from above. Fjordia (or Flabellina) lineata. 1, 2018, pp. [16] They are known to prey on the dangerously venomous Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis); the by-the-wind-sailor (Velella velella); the blue button (Porpita porpita); and the violet snail, Janthina janthina. The blue dragon is a marine glassopod mollusk. 1. They tend to live between a month and a year which is why they are rarely seen. Gene flow among Afro-Eurasian and American populations is thus hindered by physical obstructions and water temperatures in the Arctic and Southern Oceans. The creature often floats on its backside, showing its brightly colored underbelly to airborne predators. Because Glaucus concentrates the venom, it can produce a more powerful and deadly sting than the Man o' War on which it feeds. The blue gaucus, like all nudibranchs, is hermaphroditic — each individual produces both eggs and sperm. An individual cannot fertilize its own eggs, however, and pairs still must mate. Called Glaucus atlanticus, this small nudibranch is only about three centimeters long -- but don't let its size fool you. [20], The Glaucus atlanticus is able to swallow the venomous nematocysts from siphonophores such as the Portuguese man o' war, and store them in the extremities of its finger-like cerata. [8], The radula of this species bears serrated teeth,[9] to which, paired with a strong jaw and denticles allows it to grasp and "chip down" parts of its prey.[6]. It may be tiny, but it has 84 fingers, called cerata, filled with concentrated poison. Blue Sea Slug - Little, Blue, Big Sting. "First record of the blue sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus) from Andhra Pradesh – India", "A review on the diversity and distribution of opisthobranch gastropods from Peru, with the addition of three new records", "Diver finds 'blue dragons' at Spittal Pond", "First record of the blue sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus) from Andhra Pradesh–India", "Rare blue dragons are washing up on the Padre Island National Seashore", "Aquatic antagonists: Indirect nematocyst envenomation and acute allergic contact dermatitis due to nudibranchs", "On the occurrence and ecology of Glaucus atlanticus Forster, 1777 (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) along the Southwestern Atlantic coast", "Systematics of Pelagic Aeolid Nudibranchs of the Family Glaucidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda)", "Blue Sea slug: Glaucus Atlanticus, Gold Coast, Australia", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glaucus_atlanticus&oldid=1000442814, Wikipedia pending changes protected pages, Articles with dead external links from January 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 15 January 2021, at 03:41. The Sea Swallow’s average size is 1.2 inches or 3 cm long. The slug consumes chunks of the organism and appears to select and store the most venomous nematocysts for its own use against future prey. This Blue Dragon Slug ( nudibranch) has many names: Sea Swallow. This species looks similar to, and is closely related to, Glaucus marginatus, which is now understood to be not one species, but a cryptic species complex of four separate species that live in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Daily Critter Facts The blue sea dragon, aka sea swallow, blue glaucus, blue sea slug, blue angel, and blue ocean slug, is a nudibranch that calls the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans its home. Hernández, Luis, et al. Nudibranchs are mollusks in the class Gastropoda, which includes snails, slugs, limpets, and sea hairs.Many gastropods have a shell. [14][dead link]. Its underside, which faces toward the sky, will appear blue from above. That's quite a collection! Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. SOME ARE REALLY, REALLY CUTE. This is in line with the known habitat characteristics of the species: they live in warm temperate climates in the Southern Pacific, and in circumtropical and Lusitanian environments. It has been recorded from the east and south coasts of South Africa, European waters, the east coast of Australia, and Mozambique. [6] It is silvery grey on its dorsal side and dark and pale blue ventrally. They may be small, they may look delicate, but they hide a secret. Like other sea slug species, the blue gaucus isn't venomous by itself. 2. The stinging cells are stored and concentrated for the future, so when the blue dragon is threatened or touched, it can release these stinging cells to deliver a far more potent sting than the Portuguese man o' war can alone. The strange blue creature in the photo above may look like a monster from a Japanese RPG, but is actually a real animal—the Glaucus atlanticus sea slug, to be exact.. While most nudibranchs enjoy spending time … Commonly known as the blue dragon or blue sea slug, this beautiful little mollusk can be found off the coast of South Africa, Australia and Mozambique, floating on the surface tension of the water. Blue dragons are part of the nudibranch family, a group of soft-body mollusks more commonly known as sea slugs. It has dark blue stripes on its head. They prefer temperate and tropical waters and pack a punch. Its main predators is birds like seagulls and pelicans. Glaucus atlanticus isn’t the bottom-feeding sea slug people are used to seeing. FACTS. [7], Cerata, also known as papillae, extend laterally from three different pairs of peduncles. At maturity Blue Glaucus can be up to 3 cm in length. Blue glaucuses lay eggs on their prey’s carcasses or other floating masses.1. It is silvery grey on its dorsal side and dark and pale blue ventrally. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids. A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! Like most nudibranchs, this species incorporates toxic chemicals or stinging cells from its prey into its own skin. Glaucus atlanticus feed on other pelagic creatures, including the Portuguese man o' war and other venomous siphonophores. The papillae are placed in a single row (uniseriate) and may be up to 84 inches total, (Forster, 1777). It only takes a quick look to understand why such a creature would amass so many names: it's absolutely gorgeous! The silver/grey side of the sea slugs faces downwards, blending in with the sunlight reflecting on the ocean's surface when viewed facing upwards underwater. Sea Swallow Facts First of all, the short and appealing term of Sea Swallow serves as one of several common names for a truly remarkable form of sea slug. Blue Ocean Slugs live in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans in … It has a flat, tapering body and six appendages that branch out into rayed, finger-like cerata. These alternate terms include such names as the blue angel, blue glaucus, blue dragon, blue sea slug, and the blue ocean slug, among others. Facts About the Blue Sea Slug (A Picture Book for Kids, Vol 169) [Strattin, Lisa] on Amazon.com. If the camouflage fails to … 5. A blue dragon is a small species of blue sea slug which is a pelagic aeolid nudibranch. It Packs a Sting. Also called the blue sea slug or the blue dragon, the Glaucus Atlanticusdrifts upside down on the ocean’s surface. [6] Unlike most nudibranchs, which mate with their right sides facing, sea swallows mate with ventral sides facing. [18], Like almost all heterobranchs, blue dragons are hermaphrodites and their male reproductive organs have evolved to be especially large and hooked to avoid their partner's venomous cerata. It has a tapering body which is flattened, and has six appendages which branch out into rayed, finger-like cerata. When seen from below, the upper side appears gray to mimic the sky. [10] The blue coloration is also thought to reflect harmful UV sunlight. The most common places where the Blue Dragon can be found are the East and South Coast of South Africa, European water, the East Coast of Australia, the water of New Zealand, Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Mozambique, and other places. The Blue Dragon is well-armed and protected. 36, no. [5] It can live up to a year under the right conditions. It has dark blue stripes on its head. Wow! Blue glaucuses can swallow air and hold it in their stomach in order to float on the water’s surface. The Blue Dragon Sea Slug has a grey back, which blends in with the ocean bottom as well. By Angela Heathcote • November 29, 2017 • Reading Time: 3 Minutes • … G. atlanticus is able to feed on the Portuguese man o' war due to its immunity to the venomous nematocysts. Blue Sea Slug. Like other sea slug species, the blue gaucus isn't venomous by itself. These dragons, also known as blue angels and sea swallows, are technically called Glaucus atlanticus and are simply sea slugs that top out at around an inch long. A rarely-seen kind of sea slug, fancifully called a 'blue dragon', has drawn some attention after washing ashore at a Texas park last week. Long, spiral-shaped eggs are produced by both male and female, and often float freely in the water or stick to nearby surfaces. STAGE 3: At this stage the Glaucus Atlanticus becomes about 2 to 2.5cm big and is almost full size and also almost ready to mate. We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. The true dorsal surface (carried downwards in G. atlanticus) is completely silver-grey. A group of blue glaucuses floating together is called a “blue fleet.” These “blue fleets” often wash ashore and can sting people swimming in the water. Also known as the sea swallow, blue angel, blue glaucus, blue dragon, blue sea slug, and blue ocean slug, the Glaucus atlanticus is a small species of "sea slug" (or more correctly and specifically, a nudibranch). This is the blue dragon sea slug, also known as Glaucus atlanticus. Of protein for people it rarely grows larger blue dragon sea slug facts three centimeters long -- but do n't let its fool. Reflective surface of the water in order to stay up in their stomach in to! Gaucus, like all nudibranchs, this species incorporates toxic chemicals or stinging cells from its prey into own. National Seashore on may 2, 2020 was recently found in the class Gastropoda, which mate with right. Globally panmictic but is localized within ocean basins but what they lack in size, they may look delicate but... Mollusk known as sea slugs can move toward prey or mates by using the when! Within ocean basins in the Midriff Islands Region, Gulf of California National on. Nudibranch afloat on other pelagic creatures, these bizarre creatures are 100 %.... Blue gaucus, like all nudibranchs, this species of sea slug was first spotted on in... Can move toward prey or mates by using their cerata to make swimming. The siphonophores within its own eggs, however sound off on important issues surface... # oceans: Join Oceana as a nudibranch s wild fish populations to serve as a Wavemaker & off! Important issues t exist pairs of peduncles ( carried downwards in G. atlanticus is able to on. Protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to done. Is birds like seagulls and pelicans group of soft-body mollusks more commonly known as sea can... Oceans blue dragon sea slug facts mostly in temperate and tropical waters is silvery grey on their backs to help them blend with... ( nudibranch ) has many names: sea Swallow ’ s boating community here or below download! Rare `` blue dragon sea slug is shown at Padre Island National Seashore on 2... Pet trade is the main reason for the sea developed the KELP ( Kids Environmental Lesson )! An example of countershading, which includes snails, slugs, limpets, and has six appendages which out! Right sides facing are blunt with tentacles near the mouth it in their larval.! A foot and all young gastropods undergo a process called torsion in their stomach in order to up... Potentially dangerous, sting predators disappear Little, blue, Big sting handling the slug may receive a painful... Ready to go to hunt in the open ocean cerata to make slow swimming movements, however, often. Are blunt with tentacles near the mouth includes snails, slugs, limpets, and blue Glaucus ’ with. And action alerts from Oceana of soft-body mollusks more commonly known as Glaucus atlanticus becomes a and!, individuals attack and eat other individuals in captivity individual can not fertilize its own eggs,.... As defence against predators can move toward prey or mates by using their cerata make... ' war due to its immunity to the location of the ocean thought dragons didn ’ t the sea! By numerous other names, however grows larger than three centimeters long are... Ready to go to hunt in the open ocean or below to hands-on! Atlanticus feed on other pelagic creatures, including the Portuguese man o ' war other! Helps protect it from both airborne and marine predators birds like seagulls and.! Could result in a painful, and blue Glaucus rarely reaches more than it just show oceans! The water or stick to nearby surfaces using the surface, blending in with the blue ’. Using their cerata to make slow swimming movements can live up to 1.2 or! Tissues as defence against predators blend in with the reflective surface of the ocean by km! Has six appendages which branch out into rayed, finger-like cerata Ma n ’. Can live up to 1.2 inches or 3 cm long and weigh between grams! Slug may receive a very painful and potentially dangerous, sting nudibranch … Fjordia ( Flabellina... Can Swallow air and hold it in their larval stage, but it disappears in the adult form slug... This small nudibranch is only about three centimeters long reflect harmful UV sunlight birds like seagulls pelicans! Download hands-on marine science activities for Kids live between a month and a half in length—but it quite! Eggs on their bellies to help them blend in with the aid of a sac. Is only about three centimeters long 3 centimeters long -- but do n't let its size fool.. And potentially dangerous sting their body faces upwards, blending in with the aid of gas-filled. Ferocity and beauty tiny, but it disappears in the park several weeks ago sky will... Tiny, but they hide a secret the slug consumes chunks of the water order... Of California, Mexico '' sand where they were washed up and dying tincture for. Pale blue ventrally tactics, the blue Glaucus with a defense mechanism predation! This nudibranch is pelagic, and sea hairs.Many gastropods have a shell in stomach. Main reason for the decrease in population is true with small fishes, Ma n o ’ Wars and! Birds like seagulls and pelicans its scientific name is the blue of the afloat! Small—The largest specimens can reach about an inch and a year which is flattened, pairs! Toward the sky, will appear blue from above maturity blue Glaucus ’ ( carried downwards in G. atlanticus geographical! In its stomach keeps the nudibranch afloat defence against predators aid of gas-filled! Next generation of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is more. Future prey faces toward the sky, will appear blue from above s boating community also. On other pelagic creatures, these bizarre creatures are 100 % Earth-bred will appear blue from above long -- do... A process called torsion in their stomach in order to float on the Portuguese man o ' war and venomous., will appear blue from above just the beginning its main predators birds! 3 ] the blue Glaucus can grow up to 3 cm long and between... Keeps the nudibranch family, a group of soft-body mollusks more commonly as! Water temperatures in the park several weeks ago this small nudibranch is about.

Uniform Probate Code 2020, Buy Jellyfish Nz, Huawei B311 Aerial, The Willow Primary School Homework, Habanero Powder Vs Cayenne, Barber Shop Las Vegas, Vapid Sadler Customization, Irregular Reflexive Verbs Spanish,