TOURISTS holidaying in Pattaya were warned today (Sep. 28) that hordes of moon jellyfish have invaded Jomtien beach and they should be careful when swimming in the sea during this period, Amarin TV said.
Lots of moon jellies have been found in the seawater near this beach as they habitually show up during late rainy season and early winter or during storms.
Mr. Wallop Boonchu, an official at Pattaya’s Marine Disaster Prevention division, said this type of jellyfish is not deadly poisonous. However, if touched, it will cause itching and skin irritation. Initially, lifeguards have been instructed to warn tourists enjoying themselves on this beach of moon jellies swarming the area.
Mr. Kritsana Boonsawat, Pattaya’s deputy mayor, said that if tourists come into contact with moon jellyfish, they should immediately wash the affected area with vinegar to reduce irritation.
Although the invading hordes of moon jellies have not affected the number of tourists coming to Pattaya the authorities emphasised that they should be careful and follow official advice for maximum safety.
The moon jelly differs from many jellyfish in that they lack long, potent stinging tentacles. Instead they have hundreds of short, fine tentacles that line the bell margin. The moon jelly’s sting is mild and most people have only a slight reaction to it if anything at all, South Carolina Aquarium said.
Conservation connection
The moon jellyfish are often found washed up and withered on the beach even though they are not fragile animals. They survive long sea journeys and battering by waves. Its umbrella may be as large as 18 inches across and looks like a flying saucer. The umbrella is separated into eight equal parts, each of which has many small tentacles that contain stinging cells to help the jellyfish get food and defend itself. These stinging cells are like tiny harpoons and are triggered when the tentacle is touched, and even a dead jellyfish can sting.
Because of the sting they deliver, moon jellyfish are considered annoying at beaches and to divers. The main predators of moon jellies are sea turtles and sharks, thus endangered predators must be protected to control the population.
CAPTION::
Moon jellyfish at Jomtien beach and in the sea. Photos: Amarin TV
Also read: 3 stung by bluebottle jellyfish at Koh Racha Yai, off Phuket
Fire jellyfish warning at Koh Hong island off Krabi
Dejpon praised for clearing Sheffield Wednesday’s debt
PM refuses to confirm phase 2 cash giveaway being slashed to 5,000 baht
Police guarding banks to stop loan sharks from grabbing 10,000 baht handout
Several more Palang Pracharath MPs to practically join Pheu Thai-led govt: Thammanat
Thousands walk, eat, chill as Bangkok launches car-free street
Unique art exhibition launched in Bangkok
