[Coral-List] "Sea Wasp"

[Melissa Keyes]

On page 19 of "The Gentle Sea" by Dee Scarr, is a photo of the sea wasp she's just given a half of a hot dog, by just touching the tentacle with the 'dog.  The creature is stuffing the hot dog into it's bell.  Amusing pastime for the exceptionally bored?
   
  I have almost run into the beasts several times snorkelling in very shallow water (1-2 meters) at noontime.  Not swarms, but one would do, I guess.  The tenticles drape over your lip if you run into one, or surface from a dive under one.  Best to have the dive light off, and ascend directly under your bubble stream, as they are pushed away from the area above you.
   
  They are attracted to light, and can swim amazingly quickly. They are often near the well lit cruise ship pier here on St. Croix, and near a popular beach that's lit at night.
   
   I tried to dip one into a bucket from a dinghy in Luperon's murky bay, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, but those that I approached zipped away and went deep.  They somehow knew my intention, - I guess.
   
  I cannot enjoy relating what a sting feels like, lucky me.  I have heard of divers here being rushed to the hospital with breathing difficulties.  This is not the norm, but a risk.
   
  Cheers,
   
  Melissa E. Keyes
  St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

 
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