Rare Black Jellyfish

Today was the second time we have seen a number of the rare species of the Black Jellyfish washing ashore in the Glorietta Bay area. The first time was in mid-July and then it was just a couple. Today, there were about 10 of these beautiful creatures washing ashore. They were a variety of sizes from about 6 inches across to 12-18 inches across.

They did not look like they were in very good condition. Most did not seem to be swimming, but were being washed upon the shore by the mild waves in the bay. They have very short lifecyles, from spring until late summer. Sadly, perhaps the ones we have been seeing are the first of the season to expire.

My kids were fascinated by them but they think they were a little "creepy." Swimmers beware: the Scripps Institute newsletter warns that these jellyfish are not deadly but they pack a nasty wallop if they sting you.

http://explorations.ucsd.edu/Around_the_Pier/2007/Sep/Black_Jellyfish/