Now, this might be old news to you but it's certainly not something I've heard of around the Lake Area. Over the weekend, last weekend, there was a big boat poker run. In some of those random snaps, I started seeing random videos of jellyfish. Usually, it was just a single one floating around minding its own business. I thought it was so random to see one just cruising around the waters of the lake area. In all of my years floating around our local waterways, I don't recall seeing one this far in. I've been stung by one in Gulf Shores, I don't suggest getting that close to them. This made me wonder if it was a fluke, or if we really do have jellyfish just cruising around in our waterways. Firstly, I am no marine expert. The things I am about to tell you are nowhere near on an expert level. I was just curious as to what type it was, and why did I see a few over the weekend.

Ole Shane Daly of Daly Air posted this video on Facebook of one off of Lock Lane in Lake Charles. That puts it near Prien Lake Park near Indian Bay/Prien Lake. So it's close to the ship channel. I am totally invested in this situation in case you couldn't tell.

John Franklyn-Robbins
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According to Sanibel Sea School, I Googled, there are 5 common types of jellyfish around the Gulf of Mexico: Moon Jelly, Atlantic Sea Nettle, Cannonball Jellyfish, Pink Meanie, and the Atlantic Sea Nettle. With zero expert opinion, I believe that's what our little friends are in the video.

According to the Sea School, these jellies have a few long tentacles and tend to change colors depending on the level of salt in the water they are occupying. They will be clearer in brackish water but have streaks of red and brown as the water gets saltier like towards the Gulf. Granted, I have no clue exactly what type it is, but it's the closest I could find to what it looks like. I am sure there is some fishing pro out there rolling their eyes at my attempt to solve this little jelly puzzle. Final question, are they dangerous to humans?

If our jelly in question is indeed the Atlantic Sea Nettle, it's harmless to humans minus some skin irritations should you get grabbed by one. They mostly feed on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and minnows. Guess that means we can take one to a crawfish boil.

If you see one, just be mindful of it. Watch out for the kids swimming and don't let them come into contact with them. However, if they do, just know it won't be bad. When I got stung as a kid, it burned so bad. It grabbed my thigh and my forearm. It felt like an instant bad sunburn. Don't worry, I survived!

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