As spring breakers flock to Texas beaches for some fun in the sun, an unexpected visitor has made an appearance, causing quite a stir among beachgoers.

Dubbed “blue dragons,” these enchanting sea creatures are captivating onlookers with their ethereal beauty – reminiscent of something straight out of a Pokémon game.

However, experts are urging caution, warning travelers to steer clear of these mesmerizing yet potentially dangerous creatures.

The azure-hued “blue dragons,” formally known as Glaucus atlanticus, have been washing up along the Texas coastline, much to the surprise of beach enthusiasts.

According to David Campbell, a marine biologist based in Texas, these sea slugs are not deliberate visitors but rather drifters at the mercy of ocean currents and winds.

Despite their delicate appearance, blue dragons pack a potent sting, prompting Texas organizations like the Harte Research Institute to issue advisories to beachgoers.

Jace Tunnell, a marine biologist at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and director of community engagement at Harte, took to Facebook to warn beachgoers about the presence of these intriguing creatures.

Describing them as “rarely seen” pelagic nudibranchs, Tunnell emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with them due to their ability to deliver a powerful sting.

Blue dragons, measuring only about an inch in length, feed on toxins from larger species such as Portuguese man o’ wars, which boast tentacles spanning up to 30 feet.

Their striking appearance, resembling a mythical creature, has led many to draw comparisons to Pokémon characters. However, it’s their unique feeding habits that make them particularly fascinating – and potentially hazardous.

Tunnell explained that blue dragons consume man-o-war tentacles, storing their stinging cells in feather-like appendages for defensive purposes. When threatened, they release these stinging cells simultaneously, resulting in an intense sting that can surpass the potency of a man-o-war’s venom.

For Campbell, encounters with blue dragons evoke memories of a childhood mishap in Australia, where he inadvertently stepped on one, leading to painful consequences. His cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance when navigating coastal waters inhabited by these captivating yet hazardous creatures.

As beachgoers marvel at the enchanting sight of blue dragons adorning the shoreline, experts stress the importance of admiring these elusive creatures from a safe distance, ensuring a memorable – and sting-free – beach experience for all.