For a part of the world that has minimal problems with jellyfish, there is a wealth of misinformation and old wives tales regarding these slimy little critters. To assist our members SKMC has done some checking with the experts and below is a summary of the Jellyfish situation in Port Phillip Bay.
We gratefully acknowledge the expertise and assistance of Diane Brandl-Galea,
Senior Aquarist at the Melbourne Aquarium.
Fact: Melbourne doesn’t really have dangerous jellyfish.
Compared to their deadly cousins in the northern states, the Bay’s jellyfish are a
bunch of whimps. Unless you have a predisposition to severe allergic reactions from bee stings, etc, Port Phillip Bay’s jellies are at most likely to give you a temporary itchy rash that normally disappears within an hour.
There are four types of jellyfish in the Bay.
Lion's Mane, Southern Tailed, Blue Blubber and Moon. The Moon jellyfish can also be found swimming around the Yarra.
Lion's Mane is the most common jellyfish in the Bay and has a slight sting.
It is red, about 15cm in diameter and has tentacles up to 40cm long.
"You get an itchy rash, it's best treated with vinegar or Stingose, etc and then to wash it with salt water," Ms Brandl-Galea said. Don't wash it with fresh water, that will make it worse." She said some people could have an allergy to jellyfish and should seek medical treatment.
Blue Blubbers basically resemble a blue cauliflower with a cross on the top of their crown. Similar effects as the Lion’s Mane causing an itchy rash. Treat the same as Lion’s Mane.
Southern Tailed cause no effects at all. They are actually very pretty to look at.
Moon Jellyfish also cause no ill effects at all.
We’re not suggesting that members take this information to mean that they can
physically interact with jellyfish when in the water - and why on earth would you want to anyway?!
All we’re telling you is that should you have a close encounter with any of the Bay’s jellyfish, don’t panic. Any temporary discomfort will in almost all cases disappear within an hour or so.
Of course, if any irritation or discomfort persists, or a more serious reaction occurs, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Blue Ringed Octopus
Though the Blue Ringed Octopus is not a jellyfish, SKMC completely agreed with a suggestion we received to add it to this info page.
SKMC would like to thank Greg Spooner, St Kilda Marina Manager for his input and information.
The Blue Ringed Octopus is one of the most dangerous creatures inhabiting Australian coastal waters. These lethal little animals can be found in Port Phillip Bay, though it is extremely rare to see them in open water.
If you think you've come across a Blue Ringed Octopus stay away from it and exercise extreme caution.
The Blue Ringed Octopus is not a very big creature but it is very dangerous. They often lie in rock pools close to shore.
The blue ringed octopus is usually a dull colour but it shows its bright blue rings when it is in danger. If it is taken out of the water it is still able to bite a person and poison them.
If this creature bites someone they will feel numbness around the mouth, face and neck.
Treatment: The "Pressure Immobilisation Technique" should be used while waiting for the doctor to arrive.
NOTE: Prolonged artificial respiration may be required following a bite.
Blue Ringed Octopus
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