Horrifying Human-Sized Jellyfish Was Photographed By Divers
So, when are you going to go swimming?
Deep Sea Can Be Pretty Terrifying
Much like the vast unknown of deep space, the ocean can be awfully terrifying. You just don't know what is lurking down in the dark caverns under the sea until something comes a little closer to the surface.
A Human-Sized Jellyfish
Biologist Lizzie Daly caught one such creature on camera while exploring the waters of the English Channel: a five foot long barrel jellyfish. Daly explained that this particular type of jellyfish doesn't usually reach such an enormous size, usually reaching about three feet in length.
"It was breathtaking. We had been diving for about half an hour, and out of the murky water was this single enormous jellyfish."
Protection Against Predators
Its stingers protect the jellyfish from natural predators like leatherback turtles. Those frilly tentacles aren't just to look fancy, but to also keep the jellyfish safe. That being said, they are not a threat to humans at all.
A Gentle Giant
Marine biologist Cathy Lucas informed the Guardian that in spite of its imposing size, barrel jellyfish are not a threat to humans, feasting only on plankton and having a very weak stinger.
"Barrel jellyfish are harmless to us in spite of their size. All jellyfish sting, but the barrel sting is weak."
