What to know about the presence of blue dragons at beaches in Spain

Recently, several beaches in Spain have been forced to closed due to the presence of venomous blue dragons posing a threat to bathers.

Authorities in Guardamar del Segura posted an alert on Facebook last week due to several sightings. “Due to the presence of the blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus), and for reasons of public safety, we have banned all swimming on all of the municipal beaches" they stated.

The City Council had to raise the red flag on several beaches and its mayor urged extreme caution: "Don't touch them, not even with gloves. Alert lifeguards or authorities", he said.

Here's everything you need to know about this strange creatures, from what to do if you see one to how to treat a sting.

What are blue dragons?

Blue dragons are a type of sea slug known as a nudibranch, so called because of their electric blue colour and distinctive shape, similar to that of a very small dragon. They measure around 4cm with some even smaller. Blue dragons are often also seen on their backs, which is stark white, so it’s important to be aware that you’re not always looking out for something blue.

It's important to note though that sightings are relatively rare. They normally live offshore, but easterly winds have swept several ashore in recent weeks.

Where do they live?

They are typically found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as other tropical and temperate bodies of water across the world. Although not naturally found in the Mediterranean, they have appeared recently due to climate change and a rise in sea temperatures.

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Where have they been found in Spain?

Recently blue dragons were found in the Costa Blanca in Guardamar del Segura near Alicante at beaches including Vivers, Ortigues, and Centro. They were also found in nearby Torrevieja. Their presence has also forced the temporary closure of several beaches on the southern Andalusian coast such as Sotogrande and Santa Bárbara in La Línea.

Earlier this summer a few blue dragons were also spotted off the coast of Mallorca. Up until this year they haven’t been recorded in the Balearic Islands since 1705.

Why are they considered harmful to humans?

If you touch blue dragons, they can cause a nasty sting, similar to that of some jellyfish. Their venom can paralyse prey 300 times their size. They typically kill and eat creatures such as Portuguese man o' war and violet snails. For humans, they can be extremely toxic depending on the person- a sting can cause nausea, pain, vomiting, as well as acute allergic reactions and hyperpigmentation.

What should I do if I get stung?

If you’re stung by a blue dragon, authorities state you should rinse the area with salt water, then apply cold compresses. As soon as possible you should visit a first aid centre or health clinic.

Is there a risk of blue dragons in other places in Spain?

Now that they’ve been seen off the coast of Andalusia, Valencia and the Balearics, it’s possible that they could be found anywhere along the Mediterranean coast, even though they’re still not common. It's important to be aware and look out for them.