Rare jellyfish found on dog walk

The 2cm-wide jellyfish is harmless to humans

Experts have said a rare jellyfish found in water in a part of Leicestershire is "an amazing find".

Amateur wildlife enthusiast Michael Gray from Newbold was out walking his dog when he saw something unusual in Stanigal Water.

On closer inspection, he found a 2cm-wide Amazonian freshwater jellyfish and contacted local wildlife experts.

Since the 1800s, the sightings of the creature, usually found in Brazil, have been few and far between in the UK.

Keeping records

It is thought the jellyfish could have been brought into the country on imported aquatic plants or fishing bait.

Mr Gray said: "I was just out walking the dogs when I spotted something in the water.

"On closer inspection, I saw it was a jellyfish and as I always carry my camera around with me, I took a photo and sent it into the county council."

Fiona Walker, project officer from the Holly Hayes Environment and Heritage Resource Centre, said it was important for people to record nature sightings in this way.

"This is the first sighting of this jellyfish in Leicestershire and it is important to photograph sightings and then try and find out more about what you have seen," she said.