Walking along Cape Cod bay, we found what looked like a jellyfish, a long clear tube about 2' long. Thoughts?

Question

This was on First Encounter Beach in Eastham, MA. It did not have the bell shape of a typical jellyfish; it looked more like a clear tentacle. I've been looking around online but it doesn't look like any of the jellyfish pictures and I can't find any other possibilities. It really freaked my little boy out and I'd like to know what it was so I can tell him if it was nothing to be afraid of.

Answer 1

I live in Eastham and I think I know exactly what you are talking about. I'm not sure it's a jelly creature. I think I remember hearing it's some kind of algae. I've been looking for pictures and can't find any but I'll keep looking and hopefully something will turn up and then I'll be back to edit this if I can... :)

Ok I found one pic (phew) - did it look like this only more transparent and goopy?

Answer 2

I have no idea what it is by I got attacked by one in wildwood last year. It really hurt!

Answer 3

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xbypcd2tY6g/RkewfH...

if it was this it was a comb jelly. There are many different variations and kinds, so who knows, it might have been a head of a jellyfish.  Comb jellies are nothing to worry about, as they do not have stining cells, but have sticky cells that trap prey. For more info:

http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/living_species...

also, many are glo-in-the-dark, so when they die, the lose their pretty colors and go clear.