6. The Blue Dragon: A Mesmerizing Sea Slug with Deadly Defenses
The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a dazzling sea slug that floats atop warm oceans. Though delicate in appearance and under 3 cm (1.2 inches), it is a formidable predator with a unique arsenal. Its vivid blue hues camouflage it against sky and sea, hiding it from both above and below. It preys on venomous drifters like the Portuguese man o’ war, consuming them and storing their nematocysts in its own tissues. When threatened, it unleashes these stinging cells as a powerful defense. A flattened body aids buoyancy, while cerata assist in movement and protection. Its ability to weaponize prey venom makes it both mesmerizing and dangerous. Pollution and climate change, however, imperil this marine wonder, underscoring the urgency of ocean conservation.
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