Little red dots that bite?

[Cnecki]

Hi everyone my son just called from Kailua Beach Park(Oahu).

Said he was kayakin and he put his hand in his back pack (which was semi filled with ocean water) and something started biting him.

He said the ocean was filled with man o wars (huge ones) he was half way to china mans hat and he wanted to know if the little red dots floating in his backpack and in the ocean were from them?

Also when he finally came ashore a little kid came running in crying who had just got stung from a little one.

He said they hurt like hell but left no mark.

Anyone know what the little red dots are?

Thanks

[Mike_Lowery]

It couold be cnidocytes released from jellyfish, men-o-war, coral, and other sea creatures or fauna.

[Cnecki]

Would it cause bites and pain?

[Cnecki]

I should have waited to respond. I looked up cnidocytes and this should explain it. I didn't know a cell could cause pain when it is just floating. Very cool!!!!!!!!! This was so bugging us!!!!!!!!

Wow what a great learning experience minus the pain he he :)

Thanks Mike so much!!!!!!!!!!

Cnecki