Moon jellyfish have been unexpectedly stinging humans on Cape Cod for the last two decades, despite being classified as 'typically harmless.' Researchers like Nicole Corbett have noted a significant increase in their size and an extended presence from July to October. Recent genetic testing showed that these jellyfish do not match known species, suggesting possible mutation or foreign origin. Eighteen research institutions are collaborating to investigate these changes and their implications for human interaction with this species.
The moon jellyfish is 'typically harmless,' but in the last two decades, the moon jellyfish on Cape Cod have been stinging people and have grown to a large size.
When Corbett sampled jellyfish recently, some of the moon jellies she pulled out of the Nantucket Sound were up to 14 inches across.
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