GALVESTON – They may appear to be cute, but these tiny creatures can quickly turn a beautiful family day at the beach into a sudden nightmare.

Marinelife officials in Galveston are sending a warning ahead of Spring Break to be on the lookout for Blue Dragons washing on shore.

SEE ALSO: Rare blue dragons are washing up on the Padre Island National Seashore in Texas

The Blue Dragons are being spotted once again along Texas beaches but it’s still a rare find, according to Jace Tunnell, director for community engagement at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Back in 2022, KPRC 2′s sister station KSAT reported them in Port Aransas.

The blue glaucus, known more commonly as a blue dragon, is a type of nudibranch or sea slug.

What is a Nudibranchs

According to the National History Museum, the sea slugs are a group of shell-less marine molluscs. Their name means ‘naked gill’, referring to the breathing apparatus on the outside of their soft bodies.

These gastropods can be vibrantly colored, with hues from bright purples and vivid blues to fluorescent oranges, earning them common names including ‘dragon’ and ‘clown’.

What to do if you’re stung

Experts say that you will know immediately if you are stung by a blue dragon.

It will be an intense pain and feel like somebody is scraping needles across your skin. Bad reactions can cause vomiting and disorientation, which may land you a trip to the E.R. if you’re stung.

Experts say you should pour vinegar or warm water where you were stung, but you should NOT get in the ocean or rub it with sand.

And just follow their one simple rule... Leave it alone. Take photos of it but do not touch it.

Experts say to chat with your kids before you get to the beach and let them know to talk with an adult before they touch anything that looks unfamiliar.