The Cannonball Jellyfish

We recently were on the beach in FL, and I noticed that there were a lot of jellyfish washed up on the shore.
I've identified one as a Cannonball jellyfish. Here's some info about it:


Stomolophus meleagris, the Cannonball Jellyfish.

Cannonballs live in warm waters like the Pacific Ocean and mid-west Atlantic, though they have been mainly found in the southern coast of the USA, like the Gulf Coast.

Cannonballs eat mainly zooplankton, like veligers and all forms of red drum larvae.

Of course, since they are jelly fish, Cannonballs have a toxin that, when disrupted, they secrete through nemotocysts in their tentacles to sting whatever unlucky creature happened to be in range. Though Cannonballs rarely sting humans, they have been known to cause cardiac damage when they do sting.

So remember: whether it's a Cannonball jellyfish, or any other type, do not touch it!! Even a jellyfish washed up on shore can still sting you. Be careful!


"What do sharks like for lunch?"

"I dunno. What do they like?"

"Peanut butter and jellyfish sandwiches!"

"Groan."


Source: Wikipedia