Tiny jellyfish with powerful sting spotted off coast of RI
A dime-sized jellyfish whose sting packs a punch has been found off Rhode Island, environmental officials say.
The clinging jellyfish has been seen in Potter Pond and Ninigret Pond, which are both located in the southern part of the state.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management posted a video on Friday warning about the species, which is “about the size of a dime and marked with an orange-brown cross on their transparent bodies.”
Their sting can sometimes result in hospitalization. The public is advised to stay in sandy or surfy areas away from vegetation. If necessary, wear boots, waders or wetsuits.
Find out more about this type of jellyfish in a video from the Rhode Island DEM.
Staying Safe with Clinging Jellyfish this Summer
⚠️ Please be advised — clinging jellyfish, a species that can have a powerful sting for those who are sensitive to it — have recently been found in Potter Pond and Ninigret Pond. Adult clinging jellyfish are about the size of a dime and marked with an orange-brown cross on their transparent bodies. Their sting can be extremely painful and can result in hospitalization in some individuals. DEM encourages the public to use common sense and caution. Waders, quahoggers, and others using shallow, protected waterbodies, especially near aquatic vegetation like eelgrass, should take precautions against stings by wearing boots, waders, or wetsuits to protect themselves, or stick to sandy or surfy areas away from vegetation. Although these jellies have the potential to sting, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the beautiful coastal pond ecosystems and all the recreational opportunities they offer! This video by DEM's Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) will give you some tips on how to stay safe this summer. Special thanks to RI DMF Student Researchers Alex Geisser and Olivia Chatowski for creating the video!
Posted by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management on Friday, July 1, 2022
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
