Spain. "Don't touch it": Beaches closed due to a mysterious animal, the blue dragon
The sting of this creature can cause abdominal pain and vomiting in swimmers who come into contact with it.
They measure just a few centimeters, range in color from blue to white, and look like they came straight out of a fairy tale. However, blue dragons ( glaucus atlanticus , their scientific name) are far from harmless. In recent days, their presence has forced the Spanish authorities to raise the red flag and ban swimming in certain areas of the coast.
Specimens of blue dragons were notably spotted earlier this week in Guardamar del Segura, near Alicante, in the Spanish province of Valencia, and a little earlier in Cadiz, further south.
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These small mollusks normally live on the seabed, but can occasionally rise to the surface by swallowing small air bubbles. Currents can then push them towards the coast, posing a risk to swimmers.
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As beautiful as they may appear, these creatures can actually be formidable, Spanish authorities explain. The mollusk feeds on jellyfish and physalia , whose venom it is able to store before reusing if it feels attacked.
Blue dragon stings are very painful and can cause various symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, pain and even allergic skin reactions.
Since the appearance of the blue dragons earlier this week, Guardamar del Segura lifted the red alert on Thursday and reauthorized swimming. But authorities say they remain vigilant and urge caution. "Don't touch them, not even with gloves. And if they sting you, go to the emergency room," warned the town's mayor, José Luis Sáez.
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