of the blue dragon has been added to its list. This marine organism can also cause serious problems for humans, and it’s crucial not to touch it when found in water: its toxins are highly poisonous.
This species feeds on jellyfish but also on Portuguese man-of-wars and to defend itself it adopts a particular behavior: it stores the toxins of the poisonous animals it eats, which it releases as soon as it is touched or feels threatened.
In recent days, the mayor of Guardamar del Segura (Alicante), José Luis Sáez, announced the closure of the beaches where the two specimens
were found, prohibiting swimming and urging swimmers to report any sightings. Swimming was prohibited, but the beaches have now reopened for swimming, while still urging people to exercise extreme caution.
Blue dragon stings can cause nausea, vomiting, skin pain, and allergic reactions. Anyone stung should rinse with sea water and
