Community ‘Blue Dragon’ Sea Creature Spotted Again in Phuket Waters

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A rare and highly toxic sea creature known as the Blue Dragon has been spotted along the shores of Karon Beach in Phuket, prompting renewed warnings from marine experts and conservation groups.

 

The Blue Dragon, or Glaucus atlanticus, is a small but strikingly beautiful sea slug, just 3 cm in length, with vibrant blue and white colouring and elegant, wing-like appendages. Despite its delicate appearance, the creature harbours one of the most potent natural defences in the marine world.

 

The marine life conservation group MONSOONGARBAGE THAILAND posted images of the creature inside a plastic cup on their Facebook page, noting that this was the first confirmed sighting in nearly two years.

 

A Beauty with a Nasty Sting

 

The Blue Dragon does not produce its own venom. Instead, it feeds on venomous marine animals such as Portuguese man o’ war and fire corals, absorbing and concentrating their stinging cells within its own tissue. These cells are then stored in the creature’s outer layer and used to defend against predators or unwary humans.

 

Contact with the Blue Dragon can often result in severe skin irritation, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The sting is normally not fatal to humans, given the small amount of venom, but in extreme cases where the is an allergic reaction, that venom may affect the nervous system and cardiovascular function, potentially leading to death if left untreated.

 

Global Range, Rare in Thailand

 

Native to warm, tropical waters, the Blue Dragon can be found floating in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, particularly near the coasts of Australia, South Africa and parts of Europe. In Thailand, sightings are rare but not unheard of, usually occurring during changes in ocean currents or seasonal shifts.

 

Unlike most sea slugs, the Blue Dragon does not crawl along the seabed. Instead, it floats upside down near the surface, using air stored in its stomach to remain buoyant. This allows it to drift with ocean currents while remaining camouflaged from both aerial and underwater predators.

 

Public Health Warning

 

Authorities are urging beachgoers in Phuket, especially swimmers and snorkellers, to remain vigilant. “Although it may appear harmless or even beautiful, the Blue Dragon is dangerous,” warned a spokesperson from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. “Do not touch it under any circumstances. If found, report it to local authorities or lifeguards immediately.”

 

If stung:

 

Seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub the affected area. Rinse with saltwater (not freshwater).

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-11

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

21 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A rare and highly toxic sea creature known as the Blue Dragon has been spotted along the shores of Karon Beach in Phuket,

 

21 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Contact with a Blue Dragon can result in severe skin irritation, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The sting is normally not fatal to humans

Highly toxic.... but

[portisaacozzy]

On 7/11/2025 at 9:39 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A rare and highly toxic sea creature known as the Blue Dragon has been spotted along the shores of Karon Beach in Phuket, prompting renewed warnings from marine experts and conservation groups.

 

The Blue Dragon, or Glaucus atlanticus, is a small but strikingly beautiful sea slug, just 3 cm in length, with vibrant blue and white colouring and elegant, wing-like appendages. Despite its delicate appearance, the creature harbours one of the most potent natural defences in the marine world.

 

The marine life conservation group MONSOONGARBAGE THAILAND posted images of the creature inside a plastic cup on their Facebook page, noting that this was the first confirmed sighting in nearly two years.

 

A Beauty with a Nasty Sting

 

The Blue Dragon does not produce its own venom. Instead, it feeds on venomous marine animals such as Portuguese man o’ war and fire corals, absorbing and concentrating their stinging cells within its own tissue. These cells are then stored in the creature’s outer layer and used to defend against predators or unwary humans.

 

Contact with the Blue Dragon can often result in severe skin irritation, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The sting is normally not fatal to humans, given the small amount of venom, but in extreme cases where the is an allergic reaction, that venom may affect the nervous system and cardiovascular function, potentially leading to death if left untreated.

 

Global Range, Rare in Thailand

 

Native to warm, tropical waters, the Blue Dragon can be found floating in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, particularly near the coasts of Australia, South Africa and parts of Europe. In Thailand, sightings are rare but not unheard of, usually occurring during changes in ocean currents or seasonal shifts.

 

Unlike most sea slugs, the Blue Dragon does not crawl along the seabed. Instead, it floats upside down near the surface, using air stored in its stomach to remain buoyant. This allows it to drift with ocean currents while remaining camouflaged from both aerial and underwater predators.

 

Public Health Warning

 

Authorities are urging beachgoers in Phuket, especially swimmers and snorkellers, to remain vigilant. “Although it may appear harmless or even beautiful, the Blue Dragon is dangerous,” warned a spokesperson from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. “Do not touch it under any circumstances. If found, report it to local authorities or lifeguards immediately.”

 

If stung:

 

Seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub the affected area. Rinse with saltwater (not freshwater).

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-11

 

 

 

Very sorry,will get my wife to change her swimming costume

[Will B Good]

kleptocnidae......my new word of the day.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Fake news. It's just one of those Chinese micro drones gathering intel.