Costa Del Sol Jellyfish Warning

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Costa Del Sol Jellyfish Warning. Potentially deadly jellyfish have been seen in the ocean and washed up on beaches in Marbella and Mijas Costa.

Costa Del Sol Jellyfish Warning

Experts are warning beach goers and swimmers to take extra care after potentially dangerous jellyfish have been found on the Costa Del Sol. Small pelagia noctiluca jellyfish, also known as “the mauve stinger”, have been seen in the ocean around Nerja, Marbella, and Mijas Costa. Several Man O’War have also washed up onto local beaches. Marine biology experts are warning people to keep away from them, and to ensure dogs and other pets are kept safe. The tentacles can deliver painful stings even if the man o’war is dead.

The Portugese Man O’war is technically not a jellyfish, though it has a similar appearance. It is native to seas in Portugal, but sometimes can be found here following storms and bad weather. Also known as “the floating terror”, the stings can cause painful welts and in some cases severe allergic reactions.

The Man O’War can still deliver a dangerous sting when dead.

Man O’War Biological Make Up

The Portugese Man O’War is a colonial organism made up of specialised individual animals (of the same species) called zooids or polyps. These polyps are attached to one another and physiologically integrated, to the extent that they are unable to survive independently, and therefore have to work together and function like an individual animal.

Published: 01.04.2021

Written by Dave James