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.

Meanwhile, large numbers of bluebottles have also been washing ashore in NSW and Queensland this summer. Dr Gershwin said the best treatment for a bluebottle sting was to rinse away any remaining stinging cells still on the skin with seawater, and then use fresh warm water or ice for the pain. (A large number of 'blue dragon' nudibranchs were recently spotted on Port Macquarie beaches.(Supplied: Corey Enfield)