A number of giant jellyfish have been spotted in UK shores. Some of these barrel jellyfish can grow over 3 feet in diameter and experts say that may be on their way to the UK.
The large barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma octopus) can sometimes be found floating around the southern and western waters of the UK. However, they are more common in the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. While the barrel jellyfish may have the word octopus in its scientific name, it is not actually related to the eight legged cephalopods. However, these jellyfish also have eight "legs" in the form of their stinging tentacles. While sightings of these jellyfish can be rather irregular throughout the year, experts believe that they may be increasing in number and heading for the UK due to the warmer weather. Swarms of barrel jellyfish are known to appear during the summer and autumn months.
"You are most likely to see barrel jellyfish from a boat while out at sea; they are less common close to the coast," says the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) of the UK. "Barrel jellyfish are unmistakeable, their large bodies highly visible, and the smooth bell and cauliflower-shaped mass beneath very distinctive."
At first glance, the barrel jellyfish may look dangerous, especially when considering the size of their tentacles. However, experts say that they are generally harmless to humans. While they are not considered dangerous, experts from the MCS still advise people to refrain from touching them.
A number of UK residents have already spotted barrel jellyfish washed up on UK shores. A woman named Suzanne Sheldon spotted a dustbin lid sized barrel jellyfish while she was busy walking a dog. The jellyfish spotted by Sheldon was reportedly around 3 feet in diameter. A few days after, a wildlife photographer named Ste Trewhella also found a large specimen going so far as posing with it for a photo. Trewhella found the barrel jellyfish washed up in the shores of Portland, Dorset. During the past couple of weeks, around 10 barrel jellyfish have already been found on UK shores. It is believe that they end on the beach due to strong winds and tides.
Barrel jellyfish are also sometimes referred to as dustbin-lid jellyfish due to their distinctive shape. While most of them are not known to sting humans, experts advise that stinging is still possible. In case of a possible barely jellyfish sting, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
