Alert in Phuket, Thailand: Deadly blue dragon resurfaces

Tourists in Phuket have been warned to beware of the blue dragon, a venomous sea creature whose sting can be fatal .

As dangerous as the Portuguese galleys it feeds on, this magical-looking slug was spotted on Karon beach .

See: Alert for deadly Portuguese galleys in Phuket, southern Thailand

A worrying return to Phuket beaches

Blue dragon on Karon Beach in Phuket. Photo: MonsoonGarbadge

The blue dragon, also known as Glaucus atlanticus , made a surprise reappearance on Karon Beach on Thursday, July 10 after disappearing for nearly two years.

See: Dangerous blue dragon alert on Phuket beaches in Thailand

The alert was raised after a Facebook page, MonsoonGarbage Thailand , posted a photo of the brightly colored creature in a glass of water.

Phuket 's most popular beaches has prompted urgent warnings from local authorities.

They advise tourists not to pick up or even touch these strange sea creatures, however magnificent they may be.

"This reminds us that the beauty of nature often comes with dangers," said an official from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.

"People should be vigilant and careful, especially when swimming or walking on the beach."

A magnificent animal… but formidable

Blue dragon in a glass. Photo: Theerasak Saksritawee

Measuring just 3 centimeters long, the blue dragon is a species of sea slug, but don't let its small size or dazzling beauty fool you, this creature is one of the most venomous in the ocean.

"It may look like a miniature Pokémon, but if you touch it, you could end up in the hospital or worse," warned a local marine expert.

The creature absorbs the toxic stinging cells of its prey, including fire jellyfish, fire corals, and Portuguese galleys, and stores them in its own tissues.

This built-in arsenal makes it extremely dangerous for predators and curious onlookers who venture onto the beach.

The venom it can release can cause severe skin inflammation, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and, in extreme cases, affect the heart and nervous system.

What to do if you come into contact with a blue dragon?

Blue dragons in a water tank. Photo: Theerasak Saksritawee

Thon Thamromgnawasawat, a marine scientist and professor at Kasetsart University, advises people who accidentally touch them to clean the affected body parts with vinegar, just like you would with a jellyfish sting.

You should then quickly consult a doctor or go to the nearest hospital.

A master of camouflage and drift

Blue Dragons. Photo: PBS

The blue dragon is a fascinating sea slug found in warm tropical waters.

Its natural habitat includes the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and it is commonly found off the coasts of Australia, South Africa, and southern Europe.

Unlike most slugs that crawl along the sea floor, the blue dragon floats upside down near the water's surface, using the air stored in its body to drift with the ocean currents.

This buoyancy allows it to move quickly, blend into its surroundings, and ambush its prey with lightning-fast toxic attacks.

Its bright blue and silver color allows it to camouflage itself both above and below the water.

Seen from above, it blends into the shimmering surface of the sea.

Seen from below, it mimics the color of the ocean sky.

This unique survival strategy, combined with its deadly defense system, makes it one of the most impressive invertebrates in the ocean.

So far, no injuries have been reported in Phuket, but maritime authorities are on alert and continue to monitor the area closely.

"Admire it from a distance, but don't get too close," a lifeguard at Karon Beach told reporters.

“This little dragon may be tiny, but it releases a fearsome venom.”

As Thailand's beaches are once again stormed by sunseekers, authorities hope that raising awareness will help avoid any unpleasant surprises during the holidays.

When it comes to the blue dragon, what you don't know can really hurt you.

See also:

Deadly jellyfish alert on Thai beach

Tourist screams in pain after being bitten by animal on Thailand beach

Tourist survives deadly jellyfish attack in Thailand

Source: Khaosod