Blue Sea Slug (blue sea dragon) Glaucus atlanticus

The normal size of this species is up to about 3 cm, It is silvery grey and dark and pale blue which helps camogflague it in the ocean above and below. It has a tapering body which is flattened and has six appendages which branch out into rayed cerata. Its radula bears serrated teeth on their blades.

It is distributed throughout the world's oceans, in temperate and tropical waters. This species floats upside down on the surface tension of the ocean.

Glaucus atlanticus slug preys on other, larger organisms: for example the dangerously venomous Portuguese Man o' War. (jellyfish) The slug consumes the entire jellyfish and stores the most venomous nematocysts for its own use. The venom is collected in specialized sacs on the thin feather-like "fingers" on its body. Because Glaucus atlanticus concentrates the venom, it can produce a more powerful and deadly sting than the Man o' War upon which it feeds.

Glaucus atlanticus is a hermaphrodite, containing both male and female reproductive organs. After mating, both animals produce egg strings.