Tourists spotted the Barrel jellyfish on a beach in southern Spain (Image: EL CACHALOTE PROJECT)
A giant jellyfish that washed up on the shores of a tourist hotspot in southern Spain has caused shock among tourists.
A Barrel jellyfish, also known as a dustbin-lid jellyfish or frilly-mouthed jellyfish, is the largest of its species in the Mediterranean.
The jellyfish washed up on the shores of Tarifa beach, the southernmost end of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, earlier this week.
Holidaymakers posted a picture of the giant jellyfish online, causing panic among local tourists.
People have been making use of a new app that instantly monitors the state of the sea and can see if jellyfish have appeared on the beaches, but the sea-dwelling creature appeared to have evaded the programme.
READ MORE: Urgent travel warning as hot weather brings wave of venomous creatures in UK
Photos of the jellyfish showed its large bell, which can measure up to 90 centimetres in diameter.
The barrel jellyfish does not have tentacles, rather it has eight strong arms that join together at the top and form a cauliflower-shaped structure in the middle.
This summer there have hardly been any sightings of these marine animals off the coast of Campo de Gibraltar.
Despite what it may seem, it is not a dangerous species for humans, reports El Cachalote project.
Don't miss...
Huge jellyfish-like creatures invade beaches of Spain as officials issue warning [REVEAL]
Man left reeling by jellyfish discovery on UK beach ‘bigger than a car tyre' [INSIGHT]
Monster 'bad boy' jellyfish washes up on UK beach [REPORT]
The bite of this species does not have serious consequences; its tentacles do not normally pose a danger to humans.
Only in sensitive people can the contact cause irritation, which disappears spontaneously in a short time, but still leaves persistent pain.
In the water, it can release some substances or toxins that cause small itching and burning abrasions.
Related articles The best UK beaches nowhere near the sea Moment divers spot creepy ‘harbinger of doom’ fish covered in shark bites Hero fired for bravely saving baby moose from savage bear attack Famously deadly shark mauls champion freediver during training ‘Cocaine sharks' off Florida may be feasting on dumped drugs
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email