The Unique Diary (Glaucus Atlanticus)

 

*Glaucus Atlanticus         👇

The glaucus atlanticus, aka. the “blue dragon” is a type of stinging sea slug! They actually float upside down on the waves: their blue bellies face up to match the surface, and their silver backs face down to blend in with light shining down. To us, they look like surfing UFO’s!

The silver/grey side of the sea slugs faces downwards, blending in with the sunlight reflecting on the ocean's surface when viewed facing upwards underwater.

Although blue dragons live on the open ocean, they sometimes wash up onto the shore, making for a spectacular - if small - sight against the beige sand. Beach-going humans may be compelled to pick the tiny beauties up for a closer look, but doing so can result in a painful sting.