Attention holidaymakers! Poisonous blue dragon spotted off Mallorca's beaches!

Attention holidaymakers! Poisonous blue dragon spotted off Mallorca's beaches!

A worrying discovery is causing excitement on the popular holiday island of Mallorca. Researchers, including Spanish marine biologist Gádor Muntaner, have discovered a “blue dragon” (Glaucus atlanticus) in the waters off Mallorca. This find is notable as it is the first confirmed sighting of this species since 1705 in the waters surrounding the island Mercury reported.

The “blue dragon”, also known as the blue ocean snail or tern, is seen in Europe, especially on the Canary Islands. Its occurrence in the Mediterranean is exceptional, as the last time a specimen was spotted in the Spanish Mediterranean was in 2023 on the Costa Blanca. Typically, the “Blue Dragon” is between three and five centimeters in size and usually floats on the surface of the water.

Risks and Dangers

Although the “Blue Dragon” itself is not poisonous, it can be dangerous as it accumulates poison from its prey, such as the Portuguese galley. Touching them can cause health problems, which is why experts recommend thoroughly cleaning the affected areas with salt water. Depending on the amount of poison ingested, the “Blue Dragon” can even be more dangerous than the jellyfish themselves, explains Travel reporter.

Scientists disagree about the reasons for the sudden appearance of the “Blue Dragon” in the Mediterranean. Possible explanations include increased water temperatures and strong currents. The current sightings are considered “influx events” by experts. Despite the one sighting since 1705, there is no evidence of a permanent spread of this species in the waters around Mallorca.

Background and distribution

Blue dragons are native to the warm waters of South Africa and Australia. The extraordinary find off Mallorca could be due to the effects of climate change, which also affects the habitats of marine species. Similar sightings have already been recorded on the Costa Blanca in Torrevieja in 2021 and 2023, drawing the attention of marine biologists to this fascinating but potentially dangerous species.

In light of this discovery, it is advisable for tourists to exercise caution during their beach trips and be aware of possible dangers. Such sightings can not only raise awareness of maritime life, but also emphasize the need to protect our oceans and their ecosystems.