Jellyfish season returns! 'Geryonia proboscidalis' makes a rare appearance in Malta
In what seemed to be quite an entrancing underwater encounter, a rare jellyfish species, Geryonia proboscidalis, was recently spotted in Maltese waters. The sighting was captured on video by the diving team at Maltaqua and shared by Alan Deidun, a well-known local professor and marine biologist.
According to ‘MedJellyRisk’, the guidelines for the identification of Mediterranean jellyfish, Geryonia proboscidalis is a hydrozoan species that doesn’t usually go by any common name, which might make it seem all that more eerie!
It’s characterised by its translucent bell, or umbrella, that may reach a maximum diameter of 8cm, but its length can stretch up to a whopping 150cm!
It prefers warmer seas, which would explain its increasing appearances in the Mediterranean in the recent years, albeit still considered rare in these areas.
The video shared online shows just how challenging it can be to spot this particularly translucent jelly, although someone commented that they did indeed spot one recently while swimming between Golden Bay and Gnejna.
So remember, the sea is full of wonders, but always swim with caution, especially when you're far from the shore.
Have you ever spotted one of these beauties?