### Beachgoer’s Encounter With Extraordinary Jellyfish at Llandudno Prompts Public Awe
A leisurely trip to Llandudno beach took a surprising turn for one holidaymaker recently, as a morning stroll along the North Wales coast yielded an encounter with the unexpected. Joel Gabriel, aged 31, had set out to capture photos of the scenic horizon, but soon found himself face-to-face with what he described as ‘giant alien’ jellyfish, lying motionless in the early sunlight.
The incident occurred while the tide was out, revealing vast patches of sand usually hidden beneath the waves. As Gabriel wandered across the exposed shore, he initially mistook the shimmering, translucent shapes embedded in the sand for mere rocks. Only upon closer inspection did their true, unworldly forms become apparent.
Describing his discovery, Gabriel remarked, “Seeing the jellyfish and the scale of them really surprised me. Some were so well camouflaged that you might have walked past without noticing unless you were paying attention.” He dubbed them ‘danger pancakes’, a playful yet telling moniker underscoring both their odd appearance and their reputation as creatures capable of stinging even after death.
Gabriel, like many who visit coastal locations, had some awareness of jellyfish but was unprepared for the sheer size and number he witnessed that morning. He noted that these gelatinous animals wash ashore already deceased, their bodies comprised almost entirely of water, and that they dehydrate rapidly in the open air. “They don’t have a brain or much in the way of organs – essentially just a digestive system with tentacles – but it’s remarkable that their sting can still pose a hazard,” he explained.
After sharing photographs of his find on social media, Gabriel’s images quickly captured public imagination. Commenters responded with a mixture of humour and disbelief, with one quipping, “Free hats,” and another pondering, “Jellyfish are so unsettling, as are mushrooms. I’m convinced both must have come from a meteor or something.” Others expressed surprise at the presence of jellyfish in UK waters, let alone such sizable specimens, with one individual admitting, “I didn’t realise they could get so big—and stingy—right here at home!”
Some contributors joked about the unusual shapes of the beached jellyfish, while others cited the discovery as further reason to opt for swimming pools rather than taking chances in the open sea. Comments ranged from intrigued admiration—“They’re so alien, very cool”—to trepidation, as one wrote, “Adding this to my list of reasons to be wary of the sea.”
Public curiosity aside, there were also questions about the level of risk posed by jellyfish along British shores. According to NHS guidance, most stings from UK sea creatures are not considered dangerous, and can generally be treated with standard first aid. Nevertheless, authorities advise caution, suggesting that anyone who spots jellyfish in the water or on the sand should avoid handling them. Even beached jellyfish can deliver stings if touched, as their tentacles can remain venomous after death.
For those who are stung, the NHS recommends monitoring the affected area and seeking advice if symptoms worsen. In rare instances, a visit to the hospital might be necessary, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant, especially for children and those with allergies.
Incidents like Gabriel’s highlight a little-known aspect of Britain’s seashores, where hidden wildlife often emerges during quiet, low-tide mornings. For the uninitiated, the sight of these ghostly, otherworldly creatures can be a striking reminder of the diversity and unpredictability of marine life in UK waters.
As beachgoers flock to coastal destinations in warmer months, Gabriel’s experience serves as both a fascinating natural encounter and a gentle prompt to tread carefully. Whether regarded with fear, fascination or a touch of both, the jellyfish of Llandudno have certainly left their mark on visitors—and continue to capture the imagination of an intrigued public.