What was this strange sea creature?

[Fishlegs]

We were in the sea North Cornwall in July, and we noticed something moving across the top of the water. It looked like a clump of dandelion seeds, but as it got closer it was clear that it was moving actively, not blowing in the wind. I’ve been googling but cannot find out what it was. Maybe some kind of sea urchin?

If someone could identify it I’d be very grateful!

Some kind of jellyfish ?

I've no idea but watching with interest!

Echinocardium cordatum?

They are very cute looking aren’t they?

@Galassia

Echinocardium cordatum?

It seemed spikier than this, and almost seemed to have limbs when we looked closely.

Might have been my ex ....

Email the local Nature conservation people (probably Cornwall Wildlife Trust or something like that) and they will be able to tell you. I've always found these kind of organisations very willing to answer questions.

Could it have been a lions mane jellyfish?

@Galassia

Might have been my ex ....

@TonTonMacoute

Could it have been a lions mane jellyfish?

No, it was above the water and maintained its own structure, it wasn’t floppy like a jellyfish out of water.

@AmyDudley

Email the local Nature conservation people (probably Cornwall Wildlife Trust or something like that) and they will be able to tell you. I've always found these kind of organisations very willing to answer questions.

Great idea. I’ll do this and report back if I get any joy. Thanks

Our Collins guide to coastal wildlife is drawing a blank here! Sea urchins aren't usually on the surface so I'm not sure about that although there are some which would fit the description I think.

A surprisingly organised group of hydrozoan medusae perhaps? (They are tiny, the biggest about 1cm).

Or a capsized by-the-wind-sailor?! (I love these)

I don’t think it was either of those @FreezerBird. Thanks for looking though.

I was wondering whether it was a brittlestar, but do they walk on water?