Striking Blue Dragon Nudibranch Sea Slugs Wash Ashore On NSW North Coast Beaches

A striking blue dragon sea slug that eats bluebottles and can give a powerful sting has been washing ashore and capturing the imagination of residents on the north coast of New South Wales.

The unusual, soft-bodied nudibranch is sometimes described as resembling a dragon in flight, a Pokemon or a blue lizard, and goes by the official name of glaucus atlanticus. Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Service director, Dr Lisa Gershwin, said it was a fascinating little creature. "I think they look like a lizard, they have the little head, arms, feet, and fingers and toes, and tail, but then they have these fantastic blue, black and silver racing stripes that just make them unmistakable," she said.