Our world is so unique in so many different ways. From how the world works to the amazing creatures that live on our planet with us. Exotic animals are so unique and interesting to research about. This is why I wanted to look more into the topic and come across one of the coolest creatures I have ever seen. It is called a Glaucus Atlanticus (yes you read that right).
The Glaucus Atlanticus is often referred to as a blue sea slug or blue dragon drawing a lot of comparisons to a Pokemon character. It can be found in tropical waters off the coast of Australia and South Africa. The blue sea slug is roughly 3 centimeters long and appears to have a blue and silver colored skin. It floats on the top of the water by filling it’s stomach with air. They can be found subtly floating with the current in these waters which make them very hard to notice. While this creature seems pretty awesome, it is actually quite dangerous.
The person in this picture was actually very brave to pick it up barehanded because of how dangerous it is.
The Glaucus Atlanticus is a very poisonous creature that, while it may not look like it, can be very aggressive. The tiny blue sea slugs feed on larger, poisonous animals such as the Portuguese Man O’ War. These Portuguese Man O’ War creatures have tentacles that average 30 feet. 30 feet! That’s insane and the fact that the Glaucus Atlanticus is a threat to it is so fascinating. I also found out that it can consume an entire organism! So how is such a small creature so dangerous? Because the blue sea slug is immune to toxins, it is able to lock on to larger creatures’ tentacles and takes in the toxic nematocyst cells. The toxin that is absorbed from other creatures is then stored in their finger-like appendages in the tips that can then be deployed later on other creatures. The venom blue sea slugs consume is concentrated which makes their stings much more powerful than the larger creatures they took it from.
Who knew such a small, cool looking creature could be so dangerous. That just goes to show how unique and fascinating our world really is. If you plan on going to the tropical waters in South Africa and Australia (which many of you may not now), make sure to be aware of these blue sea slugs and just look at not touch them.
I know it’s quite mind-blowing considering how small the creature is. At first when I saw this, I could not believe it was a real thing so I had to do my research on it. I was so surprised to find out how real and dangerous it actually is. Imagine if it was bigger, like the size of a fish let’s say, how scary would that be?
The thing that scares me most of all is that this animal is taking on the properties of the animals it attacks. It almost seems like a comic book creature that takes the strength of its enemies. Who knew that such a little slug could be so powerful?