Is Glaucus atlanticus poisonous?
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. Like other sea slug species, the blue gaucus isn’t venomous by itself.
Who eats Glaucus atlanticus?
Few studies regarding this aspect of Blue Glaucus life have been conducted, though loggerhead sea turtles may be one natural predator. A study on this species found that 42% of their stomachs contained remnants of blue dragons.
How many Glaucus atlanticus are there in the world?
There are three species (Glaucus marginatus, Glaucus thompsoni and Glaucus mcfarlanei) cited in the North Pacific Gyre while there is a single species (Glaucus marginatus) cited in the South Pacific Gyre and the Indian Ocean.
Where can I find a Glaucus atlanticus?
The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a type of mollusk known as a nudibranch. Despite its impressive appearance, it rarely grows larger than three centimeters long. It can be found drifting on the surface of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans in temperate and tropical waters.
Are blue sea slugs poisonous to humans?
This sea slug stores stinging nematocysts from the siphonophores within its own tissues as defence against predators. Humans handling the slug may receive a very painful and potentially dangerous sting….
| Glaucus atlanticus | |
|---|---|
| Suborder: | Cladobranchia |
| Family: | Glaucidae |
| Genus: | Glaucus |
| Species: | G. atlanticus |
How does the Blue Glaucus survive?
Its camouflage is one of its best adaptations to survive In the part seen from the sky they are almost invisible, because their bright blue color camouflages them with the sea, being exactly the same color as it and therefore, avoiding being seen by birds.