Largest jellyfish in UK washes up on Exmouth Beach

Dozens of the UK's largest jellyfish have washed up on Exmouth Beach.

The Barrel Jellyfish were first reported on social media by East Devon resident Helen Blair, who took pictures of seven of the strange creatures.

"There were seven of them and they were between the Premier Inn and the ice cream shop on Exmouth Beach," said Helen.

Since Helen's report dozens more have been found on Exmouth Beach and at other beaches and harbours across the East Devon area.

Exmouth Nub News contacted the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth to identify the creature.

Olly Reed, spokesman for the National Marine Aquarium, said: "Our Ocean Experts have confirmed they are indeed Barrel Jellyfish. Whilst they do sting their stings aren't deadly.

"Jellyfish are a type of plankton meaning they can't swim against the current. This can lead to beach strandings when Ocean currents change or storms happen."

According to the UK's Wildlife Trust these large jellyfish swarm in warmer coastal water in late Spring and can often be found washed up on beaches in May or June.

They are often referred to as Dustbin-lid Jellyfish, due to their size. They come inshore to feed on plankton blooms.

They have eight frilly arms, these frills contain their stinging tentacles which surround hundreds of little mouths.

Barrel Jellyfish are the favourite food of Leatherback Turtles, the world's largest sea turtle.

Images courtesy of Helen Blair.