Distinguishing Characteristics |
Gastropod, no shell. Body is elongate, soft and flexible; color silvery white on dorsal surface, dark and light blue on ventral surface; head is blunt, pair of small tentacles near mouth; 2 pairs of distinct peduncles extending laterally from the sides, papillae (soft finger-like extentions) extend in a single row around peduncles, 3rd pair of papillae near tail extend from body, tips of papillae dark blue; tail is long and pointed. |
Similar Species |
Another species, Glaucus marginata, is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has 4 pairs of clusters, and the papillae are arranged in more than 1 row. |
Habitat |
Tropical and subtropical areas; they float upsidedown (for camouflage) on the ocean surface by storing air in their stomach. |
Maximum Size |
4 cm (1.5 in) |
Other Common Names |
sea swallow, blue angel, blue glaucus, dragon slug, blue dragon, blue sea slug, and blue ocean slug |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Photo courtesy of Michele Bock. |