The sighting was shared online by the environmental group ‘Monsoon Garbage Thailand’ which posted an image of the tiny creature inside a glass, reportedly found on Karon Beach.
The caption humorously announced the return of the elusive animal, stating, “The blue sea dragon has come to Karon Beach again… if you have good eyesight, you will miss out.”
The blue sea dragon ‒ often also called the ‘sea swallow’ or ‘blue angel’ ‒ grows to only about three centimeters long but carries a potent sting.
It collects toxic stinging cells from its prey, such as fire jellyfish and fire coral, storing the venom in its own body to use as a defense mechanism. By storing and concentrating the venom, the blue dragon can deliver a more powerful sting than the jellyfish it eats.
Though not venomous by itself, contact with a blue sea dragon can cause serious symptoms in humans, including acute skin irritation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, complications affecting the nervous or cardiovascular system.
The creature is typically found floating on the ocean surface in tropical waters across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. It stores air in its body to stay afloat and drifts with ocean currents, which also helps camouflage it from predators.
Since they store venom from their prey, treatments for blue dragon stings are similar to those for the prey’s stings, such as applying hot water and vinegar.
Authorities are urging the public not to touch or handle the animal if found, and to alert local marine officials for safe removal.
Beachgoers are reminded to exercise caution and respect marine life when visiting coastal areas.