As if the great white shark off Sabine Pass and last year’s giant seaweed blob weren’t enough cause for a headache, the Texas coast has another threat to contend with. Toxic sea slugs known as “blue dragons” are washing up on Texas beaches, and their sting can be as painful as that of the notorious Portuguese man o’ war. Here’s everything you need to know about the blue dragon sea slugs in Texas:

If you see a creature that looks like this on a Texas beach, steer clear. Colloquially known as "blue dragons," these sea slugs might be beautiful, but they're also quite dangerous.
Nobuhiko Kimoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
The formal name for the blue dragon sea slug is Glaucus atlanticus. It is a small mollusk that lives in the open ocean, so beachgoers rarely get to see it in person.
Wikimedia Commons Sylke Rohrlach from Sydney - Blue dragon-glaucus atlanticus
Known for their bright, almost electric-blue color, the creatures usually swim upside down. This is done in an effort to ward off enemies with their brilliant hue, as most of it is located on the underside of their bodies.
Wikimedia Commons/Sylke Rohrlach from Sydney - Blue dragon-glaucus atlanticus

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Blue dragons feed almost exclusively on the Portuguese man o' war, a jellyfish-like creature that packs a seriously painful sting. The blue dragon then steals the toxins secreted by the man o' war's sting and takes them for itself.
Bruno Guerreiro / Moment via Getty Images
Although blue dragons seldom wash up on beaches since they are open-water animals, strong winds can cause them to come ashore. Recently, the creatures have been spotted on several South Texas beaches, including on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi.
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Pictured here is Mustang Island State Park, which is also in Corpus Christi and frequently sees blue dragons on its shores.
Experts warn not to touch the blue dragon sea slug, as its sting can be incredibly painful. If you are stung, the best remedy is to mix vinegar and meat tenderizer into a paste and apply it to the affected area.
Flickr Mike Mozart

Have you ever seen these toxic sea slugs in Texas? If so, tell us all about your encounter in the comments! Don’t let the slugs scare you away from Mustang Island State Park. It has pearly white sand and clear water, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy some fun in the sun.

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