Monster jellyfish washes up on UK beach in scary visit to holiday resorts

03 June 2023 , 12:12

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A giant barrel jellyfish washed up on the Mawddach estuary foreshore at Fairbourne (Image: Simon Parkin)

Another monster jellyfish has washed up on a UK beach in the latest of giant jellyfish beachings.

The large creature was spotted in Gwynedd's seaside resorts in north Wales and raised some concerns for residents.

It's the latest in a number of beachings in the county and the one-metre wide sea creature is thought to have been brought in by the tide at the mouth of the Mawddach estuary.

Last month another giant one was found on Aberdyfi beach, marking a proper start to jellyfish season, the DailyPost reports.

Multiple smallers ones have also been spotted popping up along the Welsh coastline.

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A snap of the "monster" appeared on social media this week, prompting shock among many.

One woman said: “Jeeeeeeze, size of that bad boy!!!!”

The "dust-bin" jellyifsh was found in the Welsh village of Fairbourne in Gwynedd (Getty Images)

While a second person added: “Jesus Christ!”.

A second woman commented: “My God, that’s huge!”, while another man commented: “Oh my God, imagine if the kids saw that!”

“Don’t be dipping your toes in when u go,” warned a fifth person. While a sixth agreed agreed: “Oh my goodness!!! Nooooooo, that’s me even more nervous.”

One man from the midlands who was meant to be heading to the county joked: “Cancelled my holiday now, thanks."

Barmouth is popular tourism resort and many visitors return year after year, especially from the English Midlands. But the sight of gelatinous giants on local beaches has prompted some to pause for thought.

Some were left confused after spotting the giant creature (AFP via Getty Images)

The site of these creatures aren't uncommon for people living along the coastline, with smaller ones frequently washing up.

This time it was a barrel jellyfish which was stranded. They are common in the Irish Sea and typically grow up to 40cm in diameter, about the size of dustbin lids – hence their other name, dustbin-lid jellyfish.

They have eight frilly arms, which contain small stinging tentacles and hundreds of little mouths. In deeper waters, they can reach 150cm, making them the largest jellyfish in British waters.

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In May and June, they swarm in warmer coastal waters to feed on plankton. Often they wash up on beaches after underestimating tides and wave strengths.

The presence of large numbers of jellyfish in the seas attracts predators. A good jellyfish season is good news for leatherback turtles, the world’s largest sea turtle.

Sean McPolin