A compass jellyfish has found its way to a holiday resort in Cornwall after it was blown off-course by the wind.
The lone jellyfish, which was caught by the RNLI on Towan beach in Newquay, has now been placed on display at the local Blue Reef Aquarium.
Compass jellyfish, Chrysaora hysoscella, which gain their name from the v-shaped markings that resemble a compass rose, are usually found in deep waters offshore.
However, collectively known as ~drifters , jellyfish are at the mercy of the winds and tides, said David Waines of the Blue Reef Aquarium, which they are unable to fight against.
The jellyfish was reported to be in shallow waters on Towan beach in Newquay " where, amid fears that it may sting a member of the public, it was caught an RNLI lifeguard.
Following its capture, the compass jellyfish was taken to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay. There, aquarists placed it into one of their moon jellyfish Kreisel displays, which are designed to recreate the oceans current.
It is relatively unusual to get reports of compass jellyfish and extremely rare to be able to put a live specimen on display, said Mr Waines. We are feeding it on a diet of artemia, mysis and small prawns and its responding well.
Compass jellyfish are capable of growing to 30cm/12inches in size, boasting 24 marginal tentacles and four oral arms. Their powerful sting can produce long-lasting hives on the skin.