You might think a tiny ocean creature, smaller than a grape, wouldn’t be all that exciting. But if you take a look at the blue dragon, you’ll see it’s anything but ordinary.
A wildlife photographer named Alex Basha recently shared an amazing video of these colorful nudibranchs, shot in Gran Canaria. These creatures are not just pretty—they have a fascinating diet. Blue dragons feast on venomous organisms like Portuguese man o’ wars and blue buttons. They even borrow the venom from their prey, using it as a shield against predators.
Basha, who has spent years photographing wildlife at Las Canteras Beach, captured this unique event when strong winds brought these ocean dwellers closer to shore. With some tips from fellow photographer Pablo Moratalla, he filmed blue dragons snacking on a blue button. Interestingly, the blue button was still alive during the feeding, providing a haunting glimpse of nature’s cycle.
Basha used a Sony A7 IV with a macro lens to highlight the vivid colors and behaviors of the blue dragon. He utilized external lighting to enhance the visuals. Experiencing this at such close range was striking for him, although it came with a touch of sadness. “When these species wash up on the shore, it usually means they won’t make it back to the open ocean,” he explains.
The blue dragon’s journey teaches us about the delicate balance of marine life. A recent report indicates that ocean temperatures are rising, which could affect the habitats of many sea creatures, including the blue dragon. These changes can alter their feeding patterns and migration.
Witnessing such small wonders reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life underwater. It’s critical that we remain aware of how our actions impact marine environments.
For more about ocean life and conservation, check out NOAA’s resources on marine ecosystems here.
