It's that time of year when intriguing and sometimes perilous creatures begin to populate our coasts. But what should you do if you encounter a beached jellyfish, and can they still sting you after they've died? Whether you're fascinated or repulsed by them, jellyfish are captivating creatures that play a crucial role in the marine food chain. They are entirely dependent on currents for transportation, which is why they often appear in large groups, reports the Daily Star.
But with so many benign species being easily mistaken for the more nasty ones, and vice versa, the golden rule is always look but don’t touch. Whilst in the water you should also keep your distance – the tentacles often drift a long way behind the main body of the animal, which is what makes them such effective predators. READ MORE: Britain's 'greatest' villages include two in North Wales 'not overrun by tourists' READ MORE: The exotic creatures coming to Welsh beaches as sea gets warmer and not all will be welcome Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo in North Wales, provides the answers to pressing questions.
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The harmless By-The-Wind-Sailors bear a great similarity to their much maligned and much larger relative the Portuguese Man O’ War. Both have a float above the surface with a striking bluish purple ‘sail’ to catch the wind. Most impressive in size among our common species are lionsmane and barrel jellyfish, both of which frequently grow to the size of a dustbin lid or larger and ar.
