Sometimes called the dustbin jellyfish, as some individuals can get to the size of a dustbin lid, these jellyfish swarm in warmer costal waters in late spring and often wash up on beaches in May/June.

This jellyfish has a big mushroom-shaped bell and eight frilly arms (or tentacles). The texture of the tentacles on the arms resembles cabbage and cauliflower. These arms contain their small stinging tentacles and surround their feeding appendages! The sting of the barrel jellyfish is not normally harmful to humans, though if you find one on the beach it’s best not to handle it as they can still sting when dead.

 

Behaviour

They feed on plankton in shallow waters. They respond to the environment around them using nerves.

Size

Up to 1 metre across.

Status

Common.

Distribution

You may find them on the West coast during summer.

When to see

May to October.

Facts

Barrel jellyfish are the favourite food of leatherback turtles, the world’s largest sea turtle.