The (thieving) animal of the day


Name : Its scientific name is Glaucus atlanticus.

Habitat : This small creature lives in temperate or warm waters. It can be found in the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean or even in the Mediterranean Sea.

Size : A sea swallow is 3 to 4 cm long.

Way of life : The sea swallow is hermaphroditic and uses its underside for reproduction. After the two individuals meet, each will lay eggs.


The sea swallow is a carnivorous mollusk that feeds on so-called pelagic animals. Pelagic animals is a term that describes animals that live between the surface and the bottom, especially cnidarians. When it does attack them, it also stores their toxins in a separate pouch, the cnidosac, to use when it feels threatened. FYI: sea swallows can become cannibals, which is why they do not live in groups but in isolation.

In addition to that, the blue sea dragon swims very slowly (about 2 cm per min) and is generally carried away by the currents. When it moves, it does so with its underside oriented close to the surface. It is thanks to its colors and several optical effects that the sea swallow escapes its predators.

You should not be fooled by its beautiful colors and should remain careful in its presence. Although the sea swallow’s whereabouts are subject to the whims of the currents, it has been seen on the coast of Texas before. Those who admired it luckily weren’t hurt.

Article written by Marie Ulmann

Sources :