Deadly blue dragon sea slugs wash up on Phuket beach
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The strikingly beautiful yet bizarre-looking Glaucus atlanticus, commonly known as the Blue Dragon.
PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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BANGKOK – Tourists and residents on Phuket’s Karon Beach are being urged to exercise extreme caution after sightings of the blue dragon sea slug, a stunning but highly venomous marine creature, were reported.
The authorities are warning that touching the tiny creatures could result in a dangerous, even fatal, sting.
The appearance of the strikingly beautiful yet bizarre-looking Glaucus atlanticus, commonly known as the blue dragon sea slug, was initially reported near Karon Beach by the Emergency Medicine Facebook page.
While their vibrant blue patterns and six-winged, dragon-like shape are captivating, experts are stressing the serious danger they pose.
Tiny but toxic
The blue dragon is a type of sea slug, an invertebrate typically found in warmer ocean waters and coastlines around Australia, South Africa and Europe.
Touching the tiny creatures could result in a dangerous, even fatal, sting.
PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Despite their diminutive size, usually only 2.5cm to 3.8cm long, these creatures are known for their aggressive nature and potent venom, which they use to attack prey and deter threats.
The Facebook page MonsoonGarbage Thailand has also reissued warnings, noting that the current sightings in July 2025 are consistent with their appearance around the same time in 2024 – in August – suggesting a seasonal presence.
What to do if you see one
Do not approach or touch a blue dragon under any circumstances. Its small size and beauty belies its extremely dangerous venom.
These creatures are known for their aggressive nature and potent venom, which they use to attack prey and deter threats.
PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Report sightings
Anyone who spots a blue dragon in Thaialnd should immediately notify the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources or the MonsoonGarbage Thailand Facebook page. The authorities need to handle these creatures with extreme care. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
