When snorkeling in the Andaman Sea, you might spot a strange, round creature drifting gently with the waves. Don’t panic — it’s not dangerous. Meet the cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris), a species that might look intimidating but is actually one of the least harmful jellyfish in the ocean. Surprisingly, in many parts of the world, people even eat them!
Let’s explore what makes this jellyfish unique, where it’s eaten, and how to safely observe it while enjoying the best Andaman Sea tours in Thailand.
Table of Contents
🌊 What Is a Cannonball Jellyfish?
Named for its round shape, the cannonball jellyfish is:
- About the size of a small melon
- Whitish with brown or purple bands
- Lacking long stinging tentacles
✔️ Its sting is mild or harmless to humans ✔️ It feeds mostly on plankton ✔️ Often seen drifting in large groups near the surface
In Thailand, especially around the Similan or Surin Islands, snorkelers occasionally encounter these curious creatures.
🍽️ Can You Eat Cannonball Jellyfish?
Yes! Cannonball jellyfish are among the few jellyfish species that are safe and popular for human consumption, especially in Asia.
Countries that commonly eat cannonball jellyfish:
China
- Considered a delicacy and part of traditional health foods
- Prepared by drying, salting, and rehydrating before eating
- Popular dishes: jellyfish salad with sesame oil and vinegar
🇯🇵 Japan
- Called “kurage” (くらげ)
- Served chilled in salads or sliced into ramen
- Prized for its chewy, gelatinous texture
🇰🇷 South Korea
- Used in healthy cold dishes or as a side dish
- Often paired with vinegar sauces or chili pastes
🇹🇭 Thailand
- Less common locally but exported from the eastern and southern coasts
- Most jellyfish consumed are processed and imported from China or Japan
⚠️ Is It Safe to Eat?
Yes, but only when properly processed. Jellyfish must be:
- Salted and dried to neutralize any mild toxins
- Rinsed and soaked multiple times before cooking
Never try to collect or eat jellyfish from the sea yourself unless you are 100% sure of the species and preparation methods.
🌿 Their Role in the Ocean
Though they look like slow-moving blobs, cannonball jellyfish play an important role:
- Feed sea turtles and larger fish
- Help control plankton population
- Are indicators of ocean temperature and current shifts
Spotted during your Thailand snorkeling tours to places like Similan Islands or Surin Islands, they are harmless companions that remind us of the delicate ocean balance.
🐠 Want to Spot One in the Wild?
Cannonball jellyfish aren’t found every day, but they tend to appear in:
- Warm tropical waters during certain seasons
- Shallow bays and calm waters where plankton thrive
- Marine-protected zones where ecosystems are well-balanced
Join eco friendly island tours or snorkeling trips with experienced guides to spot marine life safely.
🛥️ Dive into the Sea Safely with Love Andaman
Explore the best Andaman Sea tours Thailand has to offer with Love Andaman:
- Eco friendly island tours that respect marine ecosystems
- Thailand snorkeling tours to meet sea turtles, reef fish, and maybe even a cannonball jellyfish
- Expert guides to keep your adventure safe and unforgettable
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