[CarolinaNemo]

Below is what we think stung a child this morning on a NC beach. Not 100% sure, but this is what they found and were messing with in an ocean side tidal pool when they got stung. Multiple welts and redness/swelling along with enough pain to make them scream. Hot water and benadryl and things seem to be OK now. Any thoughts? There seems to be a tendril of something coming out of the top. Slightly soft and squishy, attached to a shell that wasn't its own, and popped loose when pushed.

 

[Bucknut71]

What does it look like when underwater? I'm wondering if it is some sort of benthic jellyfish, like the Cassiopeia jellyfish. More common further south, but might have caught a current to NC? Sting is mild, but probably could get a scream out of a kiddo.

 

[sand flea]

I think it's an anemone that's closed up. And they will sting, depending on species.

 

[CarolinaNemo]

I think it's an anemone that's closed up. And they will sting, depending on species.

I think you are correct! Googling "closed sea anemone" had some similar images. Thanks!

 

[John Smith_inFL]

very interesting !! thanks for sharing

glad the stings could be handled on site vs a trip to the ER