Dead jellyfish have appeared in large numbers on Shanghumughom Beach, which is a seasonal occurrence on this part of the coast.
Dead jellyfish have appeared in large numbers on Shanghumughom Beach, which is a seasonal occurrence on this part of the coast.
Jellyfish population has increased in the coast of Kerala as well as in other parts of India in recent years. When they die in large numbers, they end up on the shore of beaches, as observed in Shanghumughom.
This particular jellyfish is an Indo-West Pacific species commonly known as the "crowned jellyfish" (Netrostoma coerulescens, a member of the Cepheidae family), said A. Biju Kumar, professor and director of the Department of Aquatic Biology at the University of Kerala.
“They appear in flowers along the coast of Kerala from June to September and are called 'ona chori' by local fishermen because they appear during the Onam season. In other places they are known as 'neela chori' because of their blue color. Some call them "Krishna Chori" because of the blue color," said Dr.Biju Kumar.
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