The Curious Blue Button on Texas Beaches That Shouldn’t Be Touched

Galveston, Texas) - I have a good time when I'm on the beach along the gulf. It's fun to play in the sand, battle a wave or two or play with the crabs. I have been stung by a jellyfish before which was a strange experience.

There are lots of interesting creatures to admire while on the beach. The keyword to that statement is admire. Some creatures, even if they're beautiful or look cuddly, could pack quite the punch.

The Blue Button Warning

One creature to worry about is not a jellyfish, it's called a Blue Button, and it's actually a whole colony of tiny animals (KHOU). It looks very much like a jellyfish but doesn't have the irritating sting of one. That's not to say you can play with or pick up a Blue Button, it could still sting you.

The official name for the Blue Button is Porpita porpita. It's in the shape of a disk that floats on top of the water. You'll see blue or green around the edges and a network of tentacles. Those tentacles help it catch prey. They can sting us but all you'll feel is a mild irritation from the sting.

What to Do If You See One on the Shore

The sea breeze will blow a Blue Button ashore. If you do see one, just walk around it. It would be a good idea to tell others nearby about it so they don't step on it and get a nasty sting.

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