Beachgoers along the Gulf Coast are urged to be cautious as a rare and eerie sight unfolds. Purple flags are fluttering from Fort Morgan, Alabama, to Panama City, Florida, signaling the presence of an unsettling new species of jellyfish known as “Pink Meanies.”
According to Dauphin Island Sea Lab marine biologist Brian Jones, these peculiar visitors make their appearance on Gulf Coast beaches roughly every 10-12 years. Their current influx toward the shore can be attributed to an abundance of their favorite prey: moon jellyfish.
Jones noted, “When they do show up, they are definitely impressive and get a lot of attention.”
**Drymonema larseni**, commonly referred to as Pink Meanies, first made their appearance on the Gulf Coast in 2000. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that scientists officially identified them as an entirely new species.
These enigmatic creatures are known for their distinctive features, including 70-foot-long tentacles that can both intrigue and unnerve beachgoers. While the Pink Meanies may appear daunting, they play a unique role in the Gulf Coast ecosystem, serving as a captivating reminder of the wonders of marine life.
