Did you see the huge smacks of jellyfish wash up last weekend? They were like nothing we usually see here. They had clear bells 6-10 inches across with DEEP RED tentacles around the margin and long frilly oral arms extending down from the center. These are called Pacific Sea Nettles, or Chrysaora fuscescens and they are usually found in the ocean waters. Their presence here indicates a large intrusion of surface sea water was carried in down the south side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Dr. Claudia Mills, the jellyfish guru in Friday Harbor did not see Chrysaora on the north side of the Strait this time, however she says she usually sees one or two float by a year.
Chrysaora fuscescens is a popular jelly to include in aquarium displays because it is so impressive. You can see them on display in the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Long Beach Aquarium (photo), and in traveling Jellies exhibits.
PS - a group of jellyfish is called a "smack" perhaps because that is the sound they make as you hit them with a boat.
