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The Mediterranean has always had a mythical quality, but sometimes its waters deliver a spectacle so strange it feels like something out of a fantasy novel. That’s exactly what happened recently off the northern coast of Mallorca, where a rare and dangerous sea creature, known as the blue dragon, has been spotted for the first time in over three centuries.

 

The bright blue sea slug, whose scientific name is Glaucus atlanticus, is as beautiful as it is toxic. Measuring just 3 to 4 centimetres in length, it floats belly-up in the water, with silvery tones on its underside and a vivid electric blue on its back. Despite its small size and elegant appearance, it packs a painful sting.

 

The blue dragon doesn’t produce venom itself but instead feeds on poisonous species like the Portuguese man-of-war and Velella velella, storing the stinging cells from its prey in wing-like fronds on its body. This makes it potentially dangerous to humans if touched, especially to allergy sufferers. Its sting is not lethal, but it can be very painful and cause swelling or allergic reactions.

 

The sighting was recorded off the coast of the Serra de Tramuntana, marking the first confirmed presence of the species in the Balearics since 1705. Marine experts believe the sudden reappearance is more than just a biological curiosity; it’s also a sign of wider environmental shifts. Changes in sea temperature, altered current patterns, and increasing jellyfish numbers may all be influencing the dragon’s return.

 

While the sighting in Mallorca has sparked surprise among scientists and sea-life enthusiasts, this isn’t the first time the blue dragon has made an appearance in Spanish waters. It was also spotted along the Alicante coast two years ago, in what was the first documented sighting there in three centuries.

 

The blue dragon is more likely to be seen during the summer months, especially when changes in current bring it closer to shore. If you do happen to come across one on the beach, experts urge you not to touch it. If stung, rinse the area with salt water - not fresh water - and avoid rubbing the skin or using alcohol or vinegar. Medical advice should be sought if there are strong reactions or ongoing pain.

 

So while this marine marvel may be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, its sudden return is a powerful reminder of how much remains unknown beneath the surface of the sea, the changing Mediterranean – and the mysterious creatures that still call it home.

 

 

Images: Wikicommons