Jellyfish are animals that are located within the cnidarian phylum. They share their exclusively aquatic habits with the other members of the group, specifically they are located in marine environments such as the Mediterranean Sea. They also share the presence of specialized structures known as cnidocytes, which they use to inject toxic substances that are lethal to their prey, while in humans they can be almost harmless, moderately toxic or even cause death, depending on the type of jellyfish..
In this article on our site we will focus on those species that inhabit the Mediterranean Sea so that you can learn to identify them if you live near it. Read on and discover with us the Mediterranean jellyfish.
Mediterranean Sea Hornet (Carybdea marsupialis)
This is a type of Mediterranean jellyfish that belongs to the group of box jellyfish, which are commonly called this way by the shape of your body. Like other box jellyfish, the Mediterranean hornet is a poisonous animal that can affect people. It is about 3 cm wide, but has long tentacles that can be up to 30 cm long and have red bands. It is found mainly in the open sea, but at shallow depths.
Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis)
This species has a wide distribution, being generally present in warm and superficial waters, including the Mediterranean. It is a poisonous animal and, despite its meduzoid appearance, it is a cnidarian of the Hydrozoa class, that is, it is not really a jellyfish Furthermore, it is a siphonophore, that is to say, a colonial marine organism, formed by many identical units and with diverse functions to carry out the vital processes of the colony.
If you are interested in knowing how jellyfish reproduce, don't miss this other article.
Jellyfish jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo)
Also known as barrel jellyfish, in addition to the Mediterranean, it is distributed in other marine ecosystems. It measures around 40 cm, but on certain occasions it can triple these dimensions, which makes it the largest jellyfish in some regions. Its poison is not deadly for people, in fact, it does not usually cause major effects on humans.
Compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella)
Sometimes also called compass jellyfish, it is distributed in the Mediterranean Sea, in Ireland and Africa, among other regions. Depending on the currents, can be near the surface or at some depth The bell of this jellyfish can measure between 3 and 40 cm, with an average diameter of 15 cm, and in general can weigh from 0.2 to 2.4 kg.
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
The moon jellyfish is a cosmopolitan species, distributed throughout warm tropical and oceanic waters, and is also a type of Mediterranean jellyfish, which can be located from the surface to great depths. The diameter range of the umbrella is between 10 and 35 cm, it is transparent in color, but with distinguishable blue gonads from the outside of the animal. It has several tentacles 1 to 5 cm long and four oral arms. In certain areas it generates problems due to its excessive reproduction.
You could say that it is one of the jellyfish that do not sting in the Mediterranean because it is quite harmless However, it is important highlight that it is not entirely correct to say that there are jellyfish that do not sting, since they all have a certain degree of toxicity, only some more than others. We talk about it in this article: "Are there jellyfish that don't sting?".
Fried egg jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata)
The fried egg jellyfish is one of the most common jellyfish in the Mediterranean, growing along the coastline of various countries such as Spain, Italy, France or Greece. Its distribution varies according to the reproductive season and environmental conditions. It measures between 20 and 40 cm and the umbrella can grow to about 25 cm in diameter. When viewed from above, the animal resembles a fried egg, hence its common name. Sometimes, it has a more brownish coloration, which is why many people identify it as Mediterranean brown jellyfish.
It is not a dangerous animal for people, for this reason it is also considered a jellyfish that does not sting in the Mediterranean, although it causes discomfort when it accumulates in large quantities in maritime areas used for tourism.
Luminescent jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca)
The luminescent jellyfish is a Mediterranean species, but it also has a wider distribution. It can grow in coastal and oceanic waters, and at various temperatures. The diameter of the umbrella can be between 3 and 12 cm, making it a small and transparent jellyfish.
This is a type of jellyfish capable of luminescence thanks to a substance in its body that even leaves a luminous trail if touched. Its venom, although not lethal, can cause some damage to people's skin and some allergic reactions. It is a species that in some cases gathers in hundreds and even thousands of individuals and invades tourist areas.
Sailboat jellyfish (Velella velella)
It is also known as a browser jellyfish because it is located on the surface of open water, floating. It is also not a true jellyfish, but rather a colony called a siphonophore, located within the class Hydrozoa. It has a structure similar to a sail, which is placed out of the water and in favor of the wind to sail. It has a disk with a diameter of about 8 cm and is not very stinging for people.
Many-ribbed jellyfish (Aequorea forskalea)
Another Mediterranean jellyfish is the many-ribbed jellyfish, common especially in Spain, although it is distributed in other marine habitats. It is also located within the class Hydrozoa, so it forms large colonies.
Among its characteristics we have its luminescent capacity It is not large, with a diameter of about 40 cm, and the umbrella is more thick towards the center and thinner towards the ends. It is transparent with some bluish coloration. It is not dangerous for people, since it is not very stinging.
Giant jellyfish (Rhizostoma luteum)
The giant jellyfish has been accepted very recently as a valid species within the group, however, there are still few studies and specimens seen. It has been seen in the waters of the Spanish Mediterranean and other regions. Its umbrella can measure up to 70 cm in diameter. It is bluish in color and has oral arms that reach up to 2 meters in length.
Other Mediterranean jellyfish
The Mediterranean Sea occupies a large area, so it is logical to think that the above are not the only jellyfish in the Mediterranean, although they are the most common. Next, we present other species of jellyfish that may be present in the Mediterranean Sea:
- Cicada Jellyfish (Olindias muelleri)
- Orange-striped jellyfish (Gonionemus vertens)
- Blue button (Porpita porpita)
- Discomedusa lobata
- Catostylus tagi
- Mawia benovici
- Lucullana Neotima
- Solmissus albescens
- Marivagia stellata
- Inverted Jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana)
