Beachgoers are advised to watch their footing on the Gulf Coast. Purple flags are flying from Fort Morgan, Alabama, to Panama City, Florida, due to the presence of a frightening new species of jellyfish known as Pink Meanies.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab marine biologist Brian Jones told WPMI this happens on Gulf Coast beaches roughly every 10-12 years. They are currently being drawn to shore by an influx of their favorite snack: moon jellyfish.
“When they do show up, they are definitely impressive and get a lot of attention,” Jones said.
A Pink Meanie in Panama City. FORD CRYSTAL
Drymonema larseni, commonly known as Pink Meanies, was first observed on the Gulf Coast in 2000. Scientists identified it as an entirely new species in 2011.
