As the temperatures are rising and many are hitting the beach for the first swim of the season, they should be careful of the ‘stinging snake’ jellyfish which is invading beaches all across Malta.

The jellyfish that looks like a long snake floating through the sea is actually a large colony of stinging cells sticking together, otherwise known as a siphonophore.

The ‘stinging snake’ is a close cousin to the deadly Portuguese man o’war jellyfish and although the ‘stinging snake’ is not in any way deadly, a sting from it can be excruciatingly painful.

This kind of jellyfish is usually spotted in Maltese waters during the January and May period but for the past few days there has been a huge influx of reports of the jellyfish being spotted all over the country.

These include reports from localities such as as Cirkewwa, Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga, Mistra and St. Paul’s Bay, Comino and Xwejni in Gozo.

This type of species can reach up to 10metres, making it quite noticeable so make sure to keep an eye out on any future swims to avoid being stung by such a heinous creature.

Have you spotted it?

Facebook/Alan Deidun