Warning - Unwelcome Visitor washed up

Please steer clear of the Bluebottle jellyfish if you happen across one. They have been found washed up on Orewa Beach this week and have a very nasty sting.

Did you know that Bluebottle jellyfish are not a true jellyfish at all? Another name for them is the Portuguese Man-O'-War and their Maori name is Ihu Moana. If you want to find out more about jellyfish and other sea creatures check out the Rodney Libraries catalogue in the 570's and 590's on the shelves or do a subject search for beaches or fish.

In the meantime, if you do see a Bluebottle jellyfish, you should not touch them or attempt to pick them up as they sting even when they have been dead for some time.