Dangers in the ocean

I visited Killcare Beach this week and the sand was crowded with blue bottles. Aren't they impressive little things? I wasn't keen to get too close to their stingers. Thankfully I've never been stung by one as I hear it's very painful.




"The blue bottle feeds on small fish and other small ocean creatures. They envelope their prey with their tentacles, where a poison is released thus paralysing its prey before being consumed. The tentacles adhere extremely well to their prey. If a tentacle is put under the microscope you will see that it looks like a long string of barbed hooks, which explains the ability of the tentacle to attach.

If a tentacle attaches itself to a human, it releases a poison (through the use of nematocysts), and if you continue to rub the skin after the tentacle has been removed more poison or venom will be released. If you are stung, it is best to wash the area without touching. A cold pack should be used to relieve the pain. If stung, please consult a doctor immediately." http://www.australianfauna.com/bluebottlejellyfish.php