Meet the Blue Dragon: The Enigmatic Sea Creature of Canary Islands
The Blue Dragon is a Nudibranch
If you’ve ever dreamed of encountering a creature that looks straight out of a fantasy world, the blue dragon, or Glaucus atlanticus, is that dream come to life. Known for its stunning blue and silver coloration, this tiny sea slug, measuring only about 3-4 cm long, glides through the ocean like a miniature dragon. Its unique look, resembling tiny wings or “rays” on either side of its body, has captivated marine enthusiasts and divers alike. But this creature’s fascinating appearance is just the beginning.
Locally known as Babosa atlántica, the blue dragon is a type of pelagic aeolid nudibranch, meaning it lives on the surface of open ocean rather than close to the sea floor, where most nudibranchs dwell. Floating upside down on the water’s surface, it is perfectly adapted to its environment, using an air bubble within its stomach to stay buoyant. The vibrant blue and silver colours provide a form of camouflage known as countershading, helping it blend with the blue sky above and the ocean depths below, and effectively hiding it from predators.
Blue Dragon’s Diet
Beyond its appearance, the blue dragon is also a remarkable predator. Its diet consists of a range of venomous creatures, such as:
- Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis): known for its long tentacles and painful sting, this jellyfish-like hydrozoan is the blue dragon’s preferred prey. It provides a rich source of potent stinging cells that the blue dragon absorbs and repurposes.
- Blue Button (Porpita porpita): this small, disk-shaped organism is another relative of the jellyfish. While it’s not as venomous as the Portuguese man o’ war, it still provides some stinging cells for the blue dragon to collect.
- By-the-Wind Sailor (Velella velella): this striking, blue-hued creature also floats on the water’s surface and is a common sight in Canary Island waters. It’s less venomous, but still provides the blue dragon with additional toxins for its own defence.
- Other Jellyfish Species: occasionally, the blue dragon consumes small jellyfish or other venomous marine organisms, adding a range of stinging cells to its collection.
Its Powerful defence mechanism
What makes the blue dragon even more intriguing is its ability to incorporate the toxins from its prey into specialised sacs within its own body. By absorbing these stinging cells, called nematocysts, the blue dragon transforms them into a defence mechanism, making it a truly formidable creature despite its small size. Through this process, it recycles the toxins in its environment, potentially influencing the spread of these venomous cells within the food web. This ability makes the blue dragon an important player in the oceanic ecosystem, highlighting the delicate balance of life and the fascinating ways in which marine species interact.
Blue Dragon presence in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are famous for their diverse marine life, and Gran Canaria is no exception. Thanks to the subtropical climate and the convergence of ocean currents, the islands attract a wide range of sea creatures, including the blue dragon. While blue dragons are not common, they are occasionally sighted drifting along with the currents in this region, usually at the water’s surface or washed ashore.
Their presence around the Canary Islands is linked to the migration patterns of their prey, especially the Portuguese man o’ war. This jellyfish-like creature is found in Canary Island waters throughout the year, but is most frequently seen in spring and early summer, when ocean currents bring nutrient-rich waters to the area. When these conditions align, it’s possible to encounter a blue dragon feeding on these venomous jellyfish-like creatures, soaking up their toxins.
For divers visiting Gran Canaria, this makes the possibility of spotting a blue dragon an added highlight of their underwater adventures. Although they are small, their vibrant colour and unusual appearance make them stand out beautifully against the blue backdrop of the ocean.
Blue Dragon Recent Sightings in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura
The striking blue dragon has become an increasingly notable sight across the Canary Islands, with numerous sightings reported throughout 2024. This unique sea slug has been observed in various coastal areas, bringing both intrigue and caution to beachgoers.
In particular, Gran Canaria has seen a surge in sightings. During the summer months, beachgoers reported seeing blue dragons near popular beach destinations like Gáldar and Las Canteras. The increased visibility of these creatures prompted local authorities to issue advisories, reminding the public to avoid direct contact with the blue dragon due to its stinging potential.
On the nearby island of Fuerteventura, blue dragons were spotted near the Corralejo beaches in early October 2024, where local officials advised people to be cautious, alerting people to the potential hazards posed by this creature.
Reasons for Blue Dragon Sighnings surge in Canary islands
Experts attribute this increase in sightings to various environmental factors. Shifts in ocean currents, warmer temperatures, and changes in the availability of their prey (like the Portuguese man o’ war) are likely drawing these sea slugs closer to the coast than usual.
This rise in sightings allows residents and tourists to observe one of nature’s most captivating species, reinforcing the Canary Islands as a rich hub for marine biodiversity. However, it’s crucial to approach these creatures with care, as even a small touch can result in a painful sting.
Why Is the Blue Dragon Considered Dangerous?
The blue dragon’s vibrant colours aren’t just for show; they signal a warning. When it consumes its prey, particularly the Portuguese man o’ war, the blue dragon stores the stinging cells from these creatures in its own body. As a result, the blue dragon can deliver a painful sting if handled, making it appear dangerous to those unfamiliar with it.
There are limited reports of people being stung, and although these incidents are rare, the painful effects have made headlines. Indeed, this ability to wield a powerful sting has given the blue dragon a somewhat fearsome reputation.
When a person is stung by a blue dragon, symptoms can vary depending on the amount of venom transferred. The stings can cause burning sensations, welts, and in rare cases, even nausea or more serious symptoms, such as skin irritation, hives, and even temporary paralysis of the affected area, depending on the individual’s sensitivity. This danger is why the blue dragon is often thought to be best admired from a distance.
The Truth: Why the Blue Dragon Isn’t as Dangerous as You Think
Despite its potent reputation, the blue dragon is not inherently dangerous to humans. Its sting capability is directly related to what it eats. This small sea slug does not generate its own venom; instead, it acquires stinging cells from the venomous creatures it consumes. This means that the severity of a blue dragon’s sting depends on its recent diet. For instance, if it has recently fed on a Portuguese man o’ war, it will have absorbed some of the most powerful toxins found in the ocean. On the other hand, if it has consumed less venomous prey, its sting may be much milder.
As mentioned, it feeds primarily on venomous creatures, particularly the Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis), a jellyfish-like hydrozoan. However, it doesn’t just stop there; the blue dragon also preys on other stinging sea creatures, such as Porpita porpita (the blue button), Velella velella (the by-the-wind sailor), and other small jellyfish.
If threatened, the blue dragon can deploy these stinging cells as a defence mechanism, delivering a painful sting to potential predators or those who handle it carelessly.
Fortunately, as long as the blue dragon is left undisturbed, it poses no threat to humans. It has no aggressive tendencies and spends its life floating with the ocean currents, living off its prey and avoiding larger creatures. Encounters with the blue dragon are rare, and with a bit of distance and respect, this enchanting marine slug can be appreciated without risk. By understanding the blue dragon’s role and behaviour, we can enjoy observing these extraordinary creatures while ensuring their place within the ocean’s delicate ecosystem.
What to Do When You Spot a Blue Dragon
If you come across a blue dragon in the water or on the beach, follow these tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Observe from a distance: Blue dragons are small but potent. Resist the urge to touch or pick them up, as they can sting.
- Take photos, not souvenirs: if you’d like to capture the moment, feel free to take pictures! However, it’s best not to disturb them by trying to pick them up, as they play an important role in their ecosystem.
- Alert others if necessary: if you spot a blue dragon washed up on the beach, let others know to be cautious. Share information with others around you about its appearance and why it should be admired but left undisturbed.
- Appreciate and Move On: Remember that the best way to enjoy marine life is to observe it in its natural setting and avoid interfering with its activities.
For those fortunate enough to spot a blue dragon while diving or on the beach, it’s best to treat this incredible encounter as a reminder of the importance of observing wildlife respectfully and appreciating nature’s wonders from a safe perspective.
At Brothers Diving, we’re dedicated to promoting safe and respectful interactions with the marine life of Gran Canaria. Whether you encounter a blue dragon on your next dive or just learn about its presence in these waters, understanding and respecting this remarkable creature enriches the experience for everyone.
For anyone interested in exploring the diverse marine life of Gran Canaria, Brothers Diving is here to guide you on unforgettable underwater adventures, always with a commitment to safety and respect for the environment. Keep an eye out for the blue dragon; you never know when you might encounter this extraordinary sea creature!
