Tiny, elaborate creature at Stradbroke Island, Queensland

December 3, 2007
From: Ken Thomas

Hello,
I'd be very grateful if anyone could identify this mysterious creature, seen at Stradbroke Island on 12 November.  These were scattereed along the waterline on the eastern, exposed beach which was quite rough at the time.
The photo is quite close-up, and the actual size of the animal is about 3-4 mm across.

Locality: North Stradbroke Island, --, Queenslandd, Australia, Pacific, 12 November 2007, at waterline on sand beach with strong surf. Length: 3.5 mm. Photographer: Sandi Somers.

Best regards,
Ken Thomas

ken@netgain.net.au

Thomas, K, 2007 (Dec 3) Tiny, elaborate creature at Stradbroke Island, Queensland. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21205

Dear Ken,

This is Glaucus atlanticus. I'm afraid it looks a little sad when its stranded out of water like this. It spends its life floating upside down at the water surface feeding on the 'blue-bottle' Physalia. If you look at the Fact Sheet for the species by clicking on the underlined name you will find a lot more information on its fascinating biology. Have a look at earlier messages attached to that page for more information and photos

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Dec 3). Comment on Tiny, elaborate creature at Stradbroke Island, Queensland by Ken Thomas. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21205

Factsheet

Glaucus atlanticus

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