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It’s Like Nothing I’ve Ever Seen Before!
by SeasideMan @ 17/07/08 - 11:42:13

blue_jelly

Have you ever seen anything like this creature before? Someone commented yesterday that the so-called “last frontier” is space, but parts of the sea are equally unknown.

The thing in the photograph is about 3cm across, and I found it floating in a tide pool. It appeared to be dead, so I scooped it out and put it on a breakwater to take pictures of it (but I did put it back in the pool when I’d finished).

The strangest thing is that it appears to have a sail on top as I hope you can see from the picture. If anyone knows what this is, please tell me as I’m most intrigued.

Cheers, Tom.

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Tags: beach, blue, creature, fish, jelly, jellyfish, photography, rain, sand, sea, visitors,

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technomisttechnomist [Member]
17/07/08 @ 11:46

I think I had one served to me once with garlic, peanuts, coriander and sesame oil. :)

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 11:48

Mmm, I like the ingredients...apart from the blue thing!

Tom.

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hebburndelboyhebburndelboy [Member]
http://hebburndelboy.blog.co.uk
17/07/08 @ 11:51

its an alien!

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 13:48

It's probably already burst out of John Hurt's stomach...

Tom.

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la_spicela_spice [Member]
17/07/08 @ 11:55

Wow! That's wonderful :yes:

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la_spicela_spice [Member]
17/07/08 @ 11:58

Oh I thinks it's a Portuguese man o'war jelly fish

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 13:22

Thanks spicey, it looks like you are right:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugese_Man_O%27War

"The Portuguese man of war travel by using various tides and currents. Very rarely are they seen on their own, but rather the discovery of one is isually a warning of more to come. Extreme "swarms" of this nature can see the closure of beaches due to the danger it poses to surfers and swimmers.

The sting from the tentacles is dangerous to humans. These stings usually cause excruciating pain, and have even been the cause of several deaths. Detached tentacles and specimens which wash up on shore can sting just as painfully as the intact creature in the water for weeks after their detachment. The venom can travel up to the lymph nodes and may cause, depending on the amount of venom, more intense pain. Medical attention is usually necessary, especially in extreme cases.

Research suggests that the best treatment for a sting is to apply hot water (45°C/113°F) to the affected area, which eases the pain of a sting by denaturing the toxins.[2] Ice is also effective at suppressing the pain through reducing the activity of the toxins and reducing the sensation and therefore pain of the area of skin around the ice. Additionally, ice constricts blood vessels, reducing the speed at which the venom travels to other parts of the body.

The Portuguese Man O' War is often confused with a jellyfish, which is incorrect and may lead to improper treatment of stings, as the venom is different. A second sting may lead to an allergic reaction."

So, I'd better be on the lookout for more, it seems. Good job I didn't touch it too!

Thanks, Tom.

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ShipscookShipscook [Member]
17/07/08 @ 13:34

Yep looks like one of those to me

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 13:49

I should probably be relieved that it's only a small one and that I didn't touch it, then. Also, they travel in swarms, so I should keep an eye open for more and make sure my dog steers clear of them.

Tom.

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ShipscookShipscook [Member]
17/07/08 @ 13:59

From what I can remember they are only rarely washed up on our shores as they prefer warmer water, but with global warming who knows?

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 14:05

Thanks for the additional information. I'm going to keep my eyes open for more and if I see any, I'll report it.

Tom.

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isadora101isadora101 [Member]
17/07/08 @ 12:59

Increible |:yes:..and no I've never seen one :no:

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 13:17

Maybe someone will know...

Tom.

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philghodgphilghodg [Member]
17/07/08 @ 22:27

I know it is quite poisonous but it's an amazing creature.

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 22:38

I'm rather glad I didn't pick it up with my fingers - luckily, I picked it up with a flat stone. They've been known to kill, apparently!

Tom.

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philghodgphilghodg [Member]
17/07/08 @ 22:43

Serious hat on now! Have you reported it to anyone?

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
17/07/08 @ 23:09

No, I haven't. I'll be out again tomorrow morning and if I see any more I will report it. The tend to be in swarms according to what I've read and someone would certainly need to be told about that.

Tom.

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philghodgphilghodg [Member]
18/07/08 @ 12:41

Keep a weathered eye open then

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
18/07/08 @ 16:42

None of them today, so it looks like a fluke, thankfully.

Tom.

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philghodgphilghodg [Member]
19/07/08 @ 15:51

That's good news. Holiday makers are on their way and don't want the beaches closed!

(Sounds like the plot for a film - mmmm)

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
19/07/08 @ 17:05

Jaws?

Saw a couple more today, but only babies.

Tom.

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philghodgphilghodg [Member]
19/07/08 @ 17:33

Spot on! Probably my second favourite film of all time!

Wonder what's drawing them in?

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
19/07/08 @ 17:36

All I can think is the high wind...

Tom.

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miramazemiramaze [Member]
18/07/08 @ 00:15

It's beautiful- and a fantastic colour ! I hope you find out what it is.

Z

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
18/07/08 @ 00:18

Unfortunately, it's both beautiful and deadly. la_spice correctly labelled it as a Portuguese Man O'War. Their venom has been known to cause death...

Tom.

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miramazemiramaze [Member]
18/07/08 @ 00:21

Bet you're glad you didn't touch it :yes: The stings are nasty - very painful too.

X

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
18/07/08 @ 09:12

I am indeed relieved about that! I very nearly picked it up, and my dog was sniffing it rather closely.

Tom.

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dolly_did_it [Visitor]

18/07/08 @ 07:47

geez, come on down here. we got all the slimey blue little icky' cousins, neighbours and friends. lifeguards carry vinegar, but fresh pee apparently works too

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
18/07/08 @ 09:05

Worth remembering, thanks.

I have an endless supply...

Tom.

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MissyMouseMissyMouse [Member]
18/07/08 @ 15:26

Goodness, what a find Tom!

It is beautiful though.....

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
18/07/08 @ 16:45

I agree, it was a right little jewel. Lovely but deadly...

Tom.

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nearlyeddienearlyeddie [Member]
19/07/08 @ 11:45

Gorgeous creature! What a beautiful blue.

Much more attractive than your last jelly find with it's long nose. :))

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SeasideManSeasideMan pro
19/07/08 @ 12:50

It really was lovely. That vivid blue colour really caught my eye.

Tom.

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