Recently, the Texas coast has experienced an unprecedented surge in pink meanie jellyfish, a species that can grow up to 50 pounds with tentacles stretching as long as 70 feet. These jellyfish are now washing ashore in record numbers, baffling marine experts who are struggling to understand the sudden increase in their population.
Jace Tunnell, a marine scientist at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is among those who have noticed the phenomenon. Tunnell, who has been conducting beachcombing surveys for over eight years, stated that he has never seen this many pink meanies in his career. Additionally, Tunnell mentioned that he had never encountered one before this year, emphasizing the significant departure from the norm.
The pink meanie jellyfish, first identified in the early 2000s, was initially mistaken for a lion’s mane jellyfish. It wasn’t until 2011 that DNA testing confirmed it as a distinct species, placing it in its own family — the first new jellyfish family in nearly a century. Tunnell explained that the species got its name due to its pink color, similar to cotton candy, and its aggressive diet, which includes other jellyfish like the moon jelly. He noted that the current bloom of moon jellyfish in the Gulf of America is likely a key factor in the surge of pink meanies, as they are a primary food source.
Experts are now urging beachgoers to be cautious about encountering the jellyfish. While the sting is not life-threatening, it can be painful and leave red marks on the skin for a couple of days. The U.S. Red Cross recommends several steps for treating a sting, including removing the tentacles with a gloved hand or tool, rinsing with seawater, immersing the area in hot (but not scalding) water for about 20 minutes, and avoiding rubbing the sting. Pouring vinegar over the sting area is also suggested to neutralize the stinging cells that contain the venom.
As cooler weather approaches, experts predict that both the moon jellyfish and pink meanie populations are likely to decline, reducing the number of sightings along the Texas coast. The unexpected surge in pink meanie jellyfish not only highlights the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems but also underscores the importance of ongoing research and monitoring to better understand these phenomena and their potential impacts on coastal environments.