These are the 11 jellyfish species you’re most likely to encounter this summer in Malta
Spare yourself some jellyfish-induced panic during your next beach day.
Nothing can ruin a beach day quite like a swarm of jellyfish – right?
Wrong.
Contrary to popular belief, ‘harmful’ jellyfish only make up a portion of the species that frequent Maltese waters. Our shores also serve as homes to several jelly species that are both completely harmless and beautiful to look at.
To help you distinguish between the two, we’re listing the 11 most common species of jellyfish that can be found in Maltese waters during summer months.
The below information was picked up from the ‘MEDJELLYRISK’ manual – a comprehensive document providing guidelines for the identification of Mediterranean jellyfish.
Without further ado, there are the jellies you’re most likely to witness on a beach day:
Pelagia noctiluca (Mauve stinger)
One of the most frequent jellyfish species in the Mediterranean Sea, the Mauve stinger packs a highly-irritating sting and usually spans a diameter of six to twelve centimetres.
Rhizostoma pulmo (Barrel jellyfish)
Growing up to 40 centimetres in diameter, this is one of the largest jellyfish species in the Mediterranean Sea and can be most commonly spotted towards the end of summer and early autumn. Its sting is irritating, though not as painful as the Mauve stinger’s.
Cotylorhiza tuberculate (‘Fried egg’ jellyfish)
The ‘fried egg’ jellyfish, named after its uncanny resemblance to a fried egg is most commonly spotted throughout the western and central Mediterranean Sea. It can grow up to 35 centimetres in diameter and has a very mildly irritating sting.
Aurelia (Moon jellyfish)
This species is characterised by four large tentacles and countless smaller ones. It can grow up to 25 centimetres in diameter, packs a mildly irritating sting, and is most prevalent during spring months. Nonetheless, it can still be spotted in summer.
Discomedusa lobata (Disc jellyfish)
Although not super frequent, the disc jellyfish can be occasionally spotted during Malta’s spring and summer months. This species can grow up to 15 centimetres in diameter and, like the Aurelia, does not have a painful sting.
Cassiopea andromeda (Upside-down jellyfish)
These visually interesting creatures can be frequently spotted within Maltese harbours. The Upside-down jellyfish can grow up to 15 centimetres in diameter and has a pretty painless sting.
Carybdea marsupialis (Mediterranean box jellyfish)
Despite its minute size – growing to a maximum diameter of five centimetres – this species packs a very painful sting. You’re most likely to encounter the Mediterranean box jellyfish in harbour and yacht marina environments as well as sandy seabeds.
Gonionemus vertens (Orange-striped jellyfish)
The Orange-stiped jellyfish is another small species (between two to four centimetres in diameter) with a painful sting. It is prevalent during both spring and summer months.
Pyrosoma atlanticum (Pyrosomes)
Reaching lengths of up to four metres, the Pyrosoma atlanticum is completely harmless and an absolute marvel to look at.
Mnemiopsis leidy (Sea walnut)
Though completely harmless to humans, the Sea walnut threatens local species due to its invasive nature. It can grow up to 12 centimetres in length and is known to frequent Mediterranean waters all year round.
Cestum veneris (Venus girdle)
The Venus girdle is one of the bigger species on this list, growing up to 150 centimetres in length, and is completely harmless. Like the Sea walnut, it frequents Mediterranean waters all year round.