Dragons on the Outer Banks? Venomous blue sea slugs wash up on the beach
Published in News & Features
They look like tiny dragons, they dine on Portuguese man o’ wars, they’re venomous and they’re turning up on Outer Banks beaches.
The blue sea dragon, a type of venomous sea slug that lives in the open ocean, has recently been spotted at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, likely stranded following strong winds at sea, the National Park Service said in a Tuesday social media post.
“They may only grow to about an inch long, but don’t let their size fool you. They pack a punch!” the post said.
As they move through ocean currents, blue sea dragons snack on their main meal of choice: the venomous Portuguese man o’ war. They are then capable of storing that venom for their own defense, the NPS wrote.
“They concentrate that ingested venom and deliver a sting that is even more powerful! Talk about a fiery bite for such a small dragon!”
If you come across a tiny but mighty sea dragon, admire it from a safe distance and be cautious of more nearby, the NPS warns.
The sea creatures can travel in groups known as “blue fleets” and remain venomous, dead or alive.
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