News from Newquay
COMPASS JELLYFISH RESCUED AFTER LOSING ITS BEARINGS
A compass jellyfish that was found floating just off a Newquay beach is recovering in a special display at the town's Blue Reef Aquarium.
The jellyfish, which was brought into the aquarium by an RNLI lifeguard after being spotted in the shallows just of Towan Beach, measures 25cms in length and is capable of inflicting a painful sting if handled.
Concerned that it may pose a threat to bathers and surfers the lifeguard caught it and brought it into the aquarium.
Despite its ordeal the bizarre-looking creature was in good health and aquarists decided to put it into their specially-constructed moon jellyfish display which mimics the currents of the open ocean.
Blue Reef's David Waines said: "It's relatively unusual to get reports of compass jellyfish and extremely rare to be able to put a live specimen on display.
"We are feeding it on a diet of artemia, mysis and small prawns and its responding well," he added.
Compass jellyfish get their name from the distinctive V-shaped markings and dark circle on their bells which resemble an old-fashioned sea compass rose.
The body is fringed with 32 yellowy lobes and 24 fine tentacles arranged in groups of three. Four frilly mouth tentacles hang from the centre of the body and can trail up to four feet in length.
The arrival of the jellyfish in our waters could be good news for the endangered leatherback turtle which is found in British waters.
"As well as being incredible creatures in their own right, jellyfish also play a key role as a food source for the critically-endangered marine giant and recently there have been several sightings of turtles around the coast," said David.
