Rare, Dangerous Jellyfish With 'Toxic Sting' Found In New Jersey

A rare, dangerous jellyfish was found in New Jersey waters this week that could send people to the hospital - or worse, experts say.

The "clinging" jellyfish was discovered in the north end of the Barnegat Bay near Brick and Point Pleasant Boro, according to News12.

The jellyfish's worst possible danger is stinging somebody and causing kidney failure, according to the report. At the very least, it could easily send somebody to the hospital.

The jellyfish is usually found in the Pacific Ocean but somehow managed to find its way to the east, according to the report.

Josh Hart captured a dime-sized jellyfish while fishing in the Barnegat Bay just south of Point Pleasant Inlet last week and brought it to the Jenkinson's Aquarium, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Paul Bologna, director of marine biology at Montclair State University, told the station that it appears it's the first appearance of the jellyfish in New Jersey waters - and it probably won't be the last.

"Generally, when you find one, there are more," he told NBC Philadelphia.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution said the sting of the jellyfish could feel as sharp as hypodermic needles.

Photo: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution