© John Bleidorn / Barcroft Media
Images like this strike fear into the hearts of many while mesmerising others with the intricate beauty of nature.
For full story and pictures:
But swimmers plunging into this colossal army of jellyfish – staggeringly over one million in their number – would have no real reason to be afraid.
In a captivating twist the entire fleet no longer have stingers strong enough to be felt by humans.
© John Bleidorn / Barcroft Media
Scientists reckon the huge group of Golden Jellyfish became trapped in Jellyfish Lake when it became separated from the Pacific Ocean.
Cut off from certain sea-dwelling predators the wobbly creatures had no more need for a powerful sting and evolved differently to their ancestors out in the open water.
The stunning pictures were captured by U.S. Navy oceanographer John Bleidom.
© John Bleidorn / Barcroft Media
He and wife Amy bobbed around inside the ’smack’ – the collective name for jellyfish – when he visited the marine lake on Eil Malk island, near the Philippines.
The 35-year-old, who now lives in Yokosuka, Japan, said: “Swimming in the lake is absolutely amazing. Being surrounded by millions of beautiful jellies is like floating through a lava lamp, but everything is alive.
“It truly a surreal and peaceful experience unlike any underwater environment I have encountered.
© John Bleidorn / Barcroft Media
“The lake is famous for the millions of jellyfish that live there. The theory is that they have been trapped in there since the lake was last substantially attached to the ocean about 12,000 years ago.”
“Since then, the jellyfish have evolved differently than their ocean relatives. They are most likely related to the Spotted Jellyfish found in the nearby ocean waters.”
© John Bleidorn / Barcroft Media
“The girl in the pictures is my lovely wife, Amy. She and I have been exploring the world for the past 8 years together.”
Words by Liam Miller
Related posts:
- Wim Hoff Spends 103 Minutes In A Box Of Ice! Iceman Wim Hof has broken his own record for...
- Sara The Dog That Loves To Swing These hilarious pictures show how Sara the dog loves...
- Whale Tangled In Fishing Net Struggles For Its Life These heart-breaking images show the desperate plight of a...
- Fearless Freediver’s Deep Sea Swim With Sharks Catching a ride on the back of this 10-foot Sand Tiger...
- Jim Reed, Storm Chaser Running towards a raging twister might equate to insanity...
- Leopard Seal Devours Penguin This beautiful but deadly leopard seal – with its...
- Diver’s Close Encounter With Humpback Whale These incredible pictures show the heart-stopping moment a talented...
- Lion Nearly Eats Tourists For Lunch At Oz Zoo A new mane attraction at a zoo is proving...