It may look lovely, but the sting from this jellyfish 'packs punch'

A "NIGHTCLUBBING" jellyfish not often seen on UK shores has been washing up in large numbers on North Wales coasts.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

Though relatively small, wildlife experts say the Mauve stinger "packs a powerful punch" and their presence has been known to close beaches.

Its unexpected arrival comes amid a spate of sightings of another threat on the Gwynedd and Anglesey coasts. Considered dangerous, Coastguards and Cyngor Gwynedd have been quick to issue warnings about Portuguese man o' war a marine creature that can cause painful welts.

Last year, Mauve stingers accounted for only 2.6% of all UK jellyfish sightings, according to the Marine Conservation Society.

Yet beachgoers reported "lots" in Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula last week, and "hundreds" at Trearddur Bay in northwest Anglesey. Others were seen on Traeth Lligwy, near Moelfre, while hundreds more were spotted "all over the beach" at Traeth Llydan, near Rhosneigr.

Despite growing to a maximum 12cm, they have hairlike tentacles up to three metres long covered in stinging cells. Unusually for jellyfish, they also have warts on their bells which also sting.