Blue dragon nudibranch — printable fact sheet

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Blue dragon nudibranch

Glaucus atlanticus

The blue dragon nudibranch is a strikingly beautiful sea slug known for its electric blue coloration and elaborate, wing-like appendages. Found floating on the surface of temperate and tropical oceans, this small invertebrate feeds mainly on venomous prey such as the Portuguese …

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Glaucidae

Habitat

Open ocean (pelagic zone), floating at the water's surface

Diet

Carnivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1-2 years

Weight

3-13 grams

Scientific name

Glaucus atlanticus

Did you know?

Despite their small size and delicate appearance, blue dragons can deliver a painful sting to humans if handled.
Blue dragon nudibranchs can consume venomous prey and incorporate their stinging cells into their own tissues, making them dangerous to touch. Their striking coloration acts as camouflage, blending with both the ocean's surface when viewed from above and the sky when viewed from below. They float upside down using a gas-filled sac in their stomachs.

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