Blue Angel Sea slug looks entirely alien and a complete fish

Blue Angel Sea slug is another alien like sea animal like the one that was caught in Australia

The Blue Glaucus, also known by its scientific name Glaucus atlanticus, is a species of blue sea slug that is known for its small size and almost mythical reputation. In recent years, much of the focus that has been placed on it can be attributed to the distinctive dazzling blue hues that it possesses. These hues have also given rise to a number of monikers, including “blue dragon,” “sea swallow,” and “blue angel,” among others.

Blue Angel Sea slug

Blue Angel Sea slug
Blue Angel Sea slug

This species is a true expert at disguising itself. The Blue Glaucus or Blue Angel Sea slug is able to blend in with the water and the sky thanks to the brilliant colours it possesses; however, it does occasionally wash up on beaches, which can be startling for swimmers. It is best known for eating venomous prey and stealing their toxins, which has earned it the reputation of being both angelic and deadly. It is also rumoured to have wings.

The striking appearance of the Blue Glaucus makes it easy to recognise, although it is nearly impossible to identify in its natural habitat because of its camouflage. The Blue Glaucus’s diminutive size belies the vicious reputation it has earned. At maturity, it may reach lengths of up to three centimetres and weigh anywhere from just three to one hundred grammes. Its length can vary greatly.

Characteristics of the Body and Coloration

The body of the Blue Glaucus has what is known as countershading, which is a type of colouring. Its dorsal side is silvery grey, while the ventral area is dark and pale blue. Additionally, it has dark blue stripes covering its head. As it floats on the surface of the water, this colouring provides it with an important layer of defence against predators coming from both above and below. The dark blue colour may also aid in the reflection of potentially dangerous UV rays.

Blue Angel Sea slug
Blue Angel Sea slug

In addition, the body of the Blue Glaucus is concave and tapered, and it has six appendages that each branch out into finger-like cerata (exactly eighty-four of them). Cerata are long, thin structures that the Blue Glaucus uses to sting when it is hunting or when it perceives a threat to its safety. Additionally, it has radial teeth that resemble the serrated edge of a knife.

The Blue Glaucus is capable of moving on its own volition, despite the fact that it is quite content to merely be pulled along by the ocean currents. It moves slowly, either by swimming or by propelling its body forward with its legs. It is able to propel itself using either the contractions of its muscles or the millions of fine hairs that cover its fleshy foot.

Lifespan and Capacity for Procreation

The Blue Angel Sea slug has an expected lifespan that falls somewhere between one month and one year.

The fact that these sea slugs are hermaphrodites, meaning that they are capable of producing both eggs and sperm, is an interesting fact about them. However, despite this fact, in order to produce eggs that are capable of developing into viable offspring, they must mate with another slug. Their mating behaviours are very similar to their hunting behaviours; the Blue Angel Sea slug just floats around aimlessly until it comes across a potential mate.

They have to be very careful not to get stung by their partner when they are reproducing so as not to mess up the process. During mating, which results in the release of strings of twelve to twenty eggs, they are protected by long, curved bends in their penises that are shaped like a S. These bends allow their penises to curve in a S.

Another intriguing aspect of their reproductive behaviour is the location of the nests in which they lay their eggs. They are typically left on the bodies of the animals that Blue Glaucus have killed. In any other case, they will lay their eggs on any other mass of floating debris that they come across.

Habitat

Pelagic fish such as the blue glaucus inhabit regions of the ocean that are neither close to the seafloor nor to the coastline. They inhabit the oceanic waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans and can be found all over the world.

Blue Angel Sea slug
Blue Angel Sea slug

On the other hand, it would appear that their habitat is growing. There have been numerous reports of sightings of blue glaucus in regions that are not typically associated with the species. A few examples of this can be found on the east and south coasts of South Africa, in the waters off the coast of Europe, close to Mozambique, and off the east coast of Australia.

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Is it dangerous?

Because of this, the Blue Angel Sea slug poses a much greater risk to human beings than the Portuguese man-of-war does. If you pick one up, you run the risk of receiving a painful sting and experiencing symptoms that are similar to those of its prey. These symptoms include feeling sick, throwing up, and having pain. However, unlike other species of sea slugs, the Blue Glaucus does not have a venomous bite.

In the event that the Blue Angel Sea slug is unable to obtain any Portuguese man-of-war, it will resort to feeding on other pelagic species such as the by-the-wind-sailor velella, the blue button, and the violet snail (or the common purple snail). It is also common for these slugs to practise cannibalism, and they will not hesitate to consume other Blue Glaucus if the opportunity presents itself.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you avoid engaging in this fish

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