Massive jellyfish wash ashore in Richards Bay

TO add to the list of marine life washing up on Richards Bay’s shores are some quite large jelly fish, a few of which were spotted at the weekend by beach-goers.

At least two have washed up so far, one at the NSRI base and the other outside Cubana in the Small Craft Harbour.

Measuring about 40cm at its widest point, the one that washed up at the NSRI base is among the biggest seen by NSRI crew member, Brynn Gericke, who sent in her photograph to the ZO.

Jennifer Olbers, a Durban-based Marine Biologist with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, said the species washing up on our shores is known as a true jellyfish called the Scyphozoa.

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This word comes from the Greek word meaning drinking cup, alluding to the shape of the animal.

‘In KZN, this species is common and is from the family the Rhizostomatidae,’ said Olbers.

‘They are harmless to humans but can cause skin irritation or a rash, so people are advised not to touch the tentacles of these animals.

‘Certainly do not place it on your head and take a selfie!’

Olbers said jelly fish are floating zoos, hosting other animals such as baby fish and brittle stars, which take refuge in among the jelly fish’s tentacles.

‘Jelly fish wash up onto KZN beaches occasionally.

‘This is a natural phenomenon caused by a variety of factors, including changes in water temperature or storm events.

‘It is part of the natural cycle of a jelly fish and, at this stage, is not a cause for concern.’

Olbers said people should not try to throw the jelly fish back into the water as they will simply wash up again.

‘Leave them on the beach and let them be taken by the tide so they get swept offshore.’

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