Sorry I haven't been posting lately. The weather was amazing - we reached 32 degrees here in Ireland - and we also had a visitor for a week so I've been away (:
While our guest was here, we all went to the beach a few times. Now, as you all know, going to the beach means being near-- or even in water.
You should always be cautious at this time because at times the ocean can be more dangerous than the forest.
I decided to write this post in which I'll help you identify various jellyfish you might find in the sea(or ocean), and tell you which ones sting and which ones do not. Next time you go to the beach see if you can spot any of these.
I will list six different types of jellyfish.
Interesting fact: Jellyfish can only survive in salt water.
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1. Aurelia Aurita
(Photo source: BBC)
You've probably seen this one washed up on the beach.
It doesn't sting and you can even pick it up.
It's sometimes also called the moon jellyfish or just a 'common jellyfish'.
2. Box Jellyfish
(Photo source: Dangerous Animals)
You are lucky if you have never encountered those sea wasps. (Luckily I am also lucky.)
They sting, and it apparently hurts like hell. Sometimes if these sting you nothing will happen - you'll just feel pain, but other times you may end up with heart failure or even death.
If you see one in the water, immediately alarm a lifeguard.(But most importantly, don't panic.)
You will really only find those in Australia.
3. Sea Nettle
(Photo source: aqua.org)
Also called a Brown Jellyfish.
They are like bees or wasps - they are not very venomous, but some people may be allergic to their sting.
They are found in the Pacific ocean mainly.
4. Compass Jellyfish
(Photo sorurce: Geograph)
They sting and it is apparently very painful, though I haven't heard of many severe cases of stings. They're quite common in Ireland.
5. Mauve Stinger
(Photo source: Telegraph)
These jellyfish are very small - they would fit on the palm of your hand. Don't go picking them up though, they sting and I heard it hurts very much.
6. Portuguese Man of War
(Photo source: Telegraph)
Ok, to people in Ireland and even the UK: Be careful if you see one of those in the water. They are not native to these places but there have been a lot of them washed up on beaches over the past few years.
Their sting is extremely painful and it can kill you, so if you get stung I suggest you seek medical help as soon as possible.
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When we were on the beach, I was asked a really interesting question:
What happens to washed up jellyfish?
Jellyfish are mostly made up of water. When jellyfish get washed up on the shore, the water evaporates and they practically melt, leaving only some parts behind.
Another fact: Most jellyfish will live a year or so.
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Thanks for reading!
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