Public warned of hurtful sting from enormous jellyfish

Public warned of hurtful sting from enormous jellyfish

10 August 2016

THE world’s biggest jellyfish, which has a vicious sting, has been washing ashore on local beaches.

The enormous lion’s mane jellyfish, which can grow up to 2.3 metres in diameter and has tentacles as long as 30 metres, has been found on beaches at Newcastle, Murlough and in Strangford Lough.

The Coastguard has warned anyone finding these giant jellyfish on the shore to stay clear and not to touch them as the tentacles can still deliver a very painful sting out of water.

The Arctic lion’s mane jellyfish, also known as the ‘giant jellyfish’, is the largest known species of jellyfish in the world. 

It has over 800 tentacles, which are grouped into eight bunches, and to be stung by one would leave victims in excruciating pain. 

The size of the jellyfish can also determine the colour. The larger specimens tend to be intensely bright crimson to dark purple, while the smaller specimen are a light orange. 

A Coastguard spokesman has warned the public not to touch the jellyfish if spotted along the beach.

“They aren’t dangerous to healthy people but if you get stung, it will be very painful,” he said.

“To ease the pain of a sting, the best solution is to dampen a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. If the condition doesn’t improve, seek medical attention,” he added.

Although we get hundreds of jellyfish washed up on our beaches each year, the public are being warned to stay away from the lion’s mane as it’s considered to be the most dangerous.