Mystery and Concerns Rise as Rare and Venomous Sea Creatures Wash Ashore in India
Rarely seen venomous sea creatures, Blue Sea Dragons and Blue Buttons, washed ashore in India following floods and an industrial oil spill. Residents and visitors have been urged to exercise caution due to the creatures’ venomous nature, raising concerns about public safety.
By Beth Snider · December 25, 2023
The beaches of Chennai, India have become the unexpected landing ground for hundreds of venomous marine creatures. Attributed to recent floods and an industrial oil spill, this rare phenomenon has raised safety concerns among officials and residents.
Srivatsan Ramkumar, a resident of Chennai and an environmentalist associated with the Environmentalist Foundation of India, described the scene of the creatures washing ashore between the broken bridge and the Ashtalakshmi temple stretch of the beach. While many of the creatures were found lifeless some Blue Sea Dragons and Blue Buttons were discovered alive.
Due to the venomous nature of these marine creatures, Prashanth E, the wildlife warden of Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them not to touch the stranded animals. Although the creatures are not lethal to humans, they possess mechanisms such as nematocysts, that can cause painful rashes and skin irritation. A retired Principal Scientist explained that Blue Buttons deploy a ‘man of war’ ability using their tentacles to sting any foreign body that comes in contact. Referring to these organisms as Sori, local fishers are well aware of the potential skin irritation, rashes, and pain caused by these jellyfish-like creatures.
According to Joe K Kizhakudan, a scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Blue Sea Dragons feed on venomous siphonophores, the violet snail, and the dangerously venomous Portuguese man o’ war, storing the stinging nematocysts within their finger-like appendages, making their stings painful.
Rare and usually found in the deepest parts of the ocean, their captivating appearance with dual camouflage capabilities adds to their mystique. These creatures occasionally spotted in formations known as ‘blue fleets,’ present a spectacular sight for those fortunate enough to witness them in their natural habitat.
The recent industrial oil spill and flooding exacerbated by cyclonic disturbances, are believed to be the contributing factors that brought these deep-sea creatures to the surface. Cyclone Michaung’s heavy rains and flooding may have disrupted their natural habitat, prompting the rare appearance of these marine species along the Chennai shore.