A paddle with amazing jellyfish
A striking Compass jellyfish at Teignmouth main beach
We’re with dad in Torquay quite a lot at the moment, getting out and about, and on Friday, I couldn’t resist a paddle in sea when visiting Teignmouth main beach. There were many beautiful jellyfish in the water and I was very mindful about where my feet were as I took these photos. The local Herald Express newspaper reported that the recent heatwave has attracted blooms of jellyfish to the coastal waters off Torbay, including Compass, Comb and Moon jellyfish. They’re all a little bit helpless and gather in places depending on ocean currents and the direction of the wind.
Compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella) are frequently encountered around the UK coastline, particularly in the summer months. They are named for the distinctive brown radial markings on their bell, which resemble a compass rose, its sting can cause welts, rashes and swelling, Their translucent bodies can reach up to 30 cm in diameter and are often trailed by long, frilly tentacles and they are often seen in swarms during warmer months, drifting in with the tides.
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) are among the most common jellyfish in UK waters and have a mild sting that poses no danger to people. Their presence is often a sign of healthy plankton populations, although mass blooms can indicate shifts in ocean conditions.
Blue jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii) adds a splash of vibrant color to the UK’s marine life. These jellyfish have a blue or purple bell, often surrounded by a thick fringe of tentacles. Juveniles can appear pale or even yellowish, but adults take on a vivid blue hue. They are dome-shaped bell and stinging tentacles trailing underneath.
Comb jellyfish (phylum Ctenophora) are not true jellyfish. They lack stinging cells and instead use rows of cilia—tiny, hair-like structures—that beat in coordinated waves to move through the water. These cilia refract light, creating an iridescent, rainbow-like effect that gives comb jellies their magical appearance. They are typically small, often under 5 cm, and entirely harmless to humans.
Thank you to the Marine Conservation Society and the Wildlife Trusts websites for helping with informaiton to identify these amazing sea creatures.
My textile designs are inspired by the beauty in nature and one of my patterns called Friendly Anenomes is inspired by oceanlife and is available as an organic cotton scarf, cushion cover and note pad.
Moon jellyfish at Teignmouth main beach
A Blue jellyfish at Teignmouth main beach
A Comb jellyfish(?) at Teignmouth main beach