From Port Aransas to Corpus Christi, the surge in sightings is unlike anything recorded before, according to Jace Tunnell, a marine scientist at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve never seen this many pink meanies, and I\u2019m on the beach<\/a> continuously for my beachcombing surveys, for over eight years now,” Tunnell told Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n GREAT WHITE SHARK SIGHTINGS RISE ALONG NORTHEAST BEACHES AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Plus, I grew up at the beach and had never seen one before this year,” he added.<\/p>\n The pink meanie is a relatively new discovery in Gulf waters. It was first noticed in the early 2000s and was mistaken for a lion\u2019s mane jellyfish, according to marine life experts.<\/p>\n Pink meanie jellyfish, named for their “mean” behavior of eating other jellies, can grow up to 50 pounds and have tentacles stretching as long as 70 feet. (Jace Tunnell, Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)<\/p>\n In 2011, DNA testing confirmed it was a different species and placed it in its own family \u2014 the first new jellyfish<\/a> family in nearly a century.<\/p>\n “It got its name because of its pink color like cotton candy, and [the fact that] it aggressively eats other jellyfish, like the moon jelly, hence the \u2018pink meanie,\u2019” Tunnell said.<\/p>\n NUCLEAR PLANT ON COASTAL WATERS SHUT DOWN OVER MASSIVE JELLYFISH SWARM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The Gulf is currently experiencing a bloom of moon jellyfish, which are the pink meanie\u2019s favorite food.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pink meanies feed on moon jellyfish, which are currently in waters around the Texas coast. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n “We have a bloom of moon jellyfish going on right now, so I imagine that is why there are so many reports coming in about pink meanies, since that is their main food source,” Tunnell noted.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Beachgoers should be cautious around the jellyfish because they do have a sting, which can be painful for about 10 minutes and leave red marks on your skin<\/a> for a couple of days,” he cautioned.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The sting is not considered life-threatening, but it can be painful. If a person is stung, the U.S. Red Cross recommends getting out of the water, removing the tentacles with a gloved hand or tool, and rinsing with seawater<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve never seen this many pink meanies,” Tunnell told Fox News Digital. (Jace Tunnell, Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)<\/p>\n The organization says to then immerse the area in hot (but not scalding) water for about 20 minutes to ease pain<\/a>, or to use another safe heat source if available. Avoid rubbing the sting and monitor for signs of allergic reaction or shock.<\/p>\n Pouring vinegar over the wound may also be an appropriate form of treatment, Tunnell added.<\/p>\n![\"Jace](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/pink-meanie-2.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"Jace](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/pink-meanie-1.jpg\")
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