Canon Elan IIe, handheld Canon 75-300 at 250mm Kenko 20mm Extension Tube Fuji Provia 100 Exposure unrecorded

Swimming partner

I was wading knee-deep in Croatan Sound near Manteo, NC, trying to get a picture of a hermit crab, when I spotted this guy drifting closer from about twelve feet away. I haven't the faintest idea how dangerous it was, I simply vacated the water. Then, I decided if I kept my eye on it, I could get within a reasonable distance (jellyfish aren't known for their speed) and get a picture. Maybe that was the intention all along.

It was a chance, and came out far from ideal, but I'm pleased that I got something this distinct while shooting from above the surface. Better than the hermit crab shots.

I finally sat down and tried to determine this species, without pinning it down definitively. This may be an acrtic red, or lion's mane, jellyfish, Cyanea capillata.