THE FIFE Coast and Countryside Trust are warning visitors after a Lion's Mane jellyfish washed up on an Aberdour beach. 

Known for their long tentacles with the 'beauty and bite of a lion', this common invertebrate gives a very nasty sting - and one has washed up on Black Sands Beach. 

Sharing advice on Facebook, the trust said: "Please be aware that we've had reports of Lion's Mane jellyfish on Black Sands Beach, Aberdour.

"Lion's Mane jellyfish give a very nasty sting, so consult a doctor if swelling or weals are severe. In the meantime, scrape the area with a clean stick or remove the tentacle with tweezers if you have them to hand, then rinse the area with warm to hot water to reduce swelling.

"Please note they can still sting once they have been washed up on the beach."

One of the largest known species of jellyfish, the Lion's Mane can be identified by its long tentacles surrounding its translucent or reddish brown bell, these tentacles can be up to 3m in length with older tentacles appearing red in colour. 

Fragments of these tentacles will sting, even if they are no longer attached to the jellyfish and will continue to sting long after they've washed ashore. 

For more information on Lion's Mane jellyfish, visit The Wildlife Trusts website.