A jellyfish’s last supper was in full view after it washed up on the shore.
Earlier this month, wildlife photographer Ian Watkin spotted a peculiar blob during an early morning stroll along a beach in the United Kingdom, reported the Daily Mail.
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The stunning discovery turned out to be a dead compass jellyfish with a visible - and intact - juvenile fish stuck inside of its belly. The jellyfish gets its name for the brown lines across it that appear to resemble a compass.
“I've seen lots before as I've been a diver for over 20 years but have never managed to capture one on camera,” Watkin told the outlet. “It's not something you see every day.”
The Cornwall Wildlife Trust, a local conservationist organization, shared the image and elaborated how the juvenile fish was most likely stung by the jellyfish.
“Often jellyfish are used as nurseries by juvenile fish as they hide amongst their tentacles for protection from predators,” the group wrote in a Facebook post. “Unfortunately, this one seems to have been stung and became lunch for the compass.”
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The image of the dead sea creatures incited a lot of horrified reactions.
“I’m glad we didn’t come across this!!!” wrote one follower.
“It’s like your worst nightmare in one picture!” added another.
“Completely freaked out and won’t be going in the sea again,” commented a third.
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According to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, being stung by a compass jellyfish can be painful but it is not lethal ... to humans.
Condolences to the juvenile fish’s friends and family.
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