Locally renowned marine biologist Alan Deidun took to social media to warn readers of one very concerning discovery… 

A jellyfish known as Forskalia edwardsii – which Alan described as a “nasty and stinging snake-like beast” – was spotted at St Julian’s just last week by a certain Hannah Doublet Barry.

The marine biologist noted that this jellyfish is a siphonophore, which is the same group as the potentially deadly Portuguese man o’ war. 

Forskalia edwardsii are normally spotted during springtime. 

This jellyfish is actually a colony of different species of siphonophore hydorozoans which come together to create a one-metre-long entity. 

“Each colony includes individuals which are responsible to keep the colony afloat and for its respective movement, whilst others are responsible for the nutrition of the entire colony or for reproduction,” the MEDJELLYRISK manual reads. 

“As the vast majorities of cnidarian species, ‘Forskalia’ colonies are equipped with whole batteries of stinging cells,” it continues. 

Better stay away! 

Main image: Facebook/ Hannah Doublet Barry