Pelagia Noctiluca

Stinging

Pelagia Noctiluca

Scyphozoa (Pelagiidae)

The most dreaded jellyfish by vacationers in the Mediterranean. Fascinating fact: it is bioluminescent and can glow in the dark when disturbed by waves.

Sting symptoms

Intense burn, electric shock sensation, blisters and itching.

Identification

Pink, mauve, or purple in color, its umbrella is covered with small brown warts (containing venom). It has 4 fringed oral arms and 8 very fine, long tentacles.

Size

Umbrella: 5 to 10 cm / Tentacles: up to 1 m

Habitat

Pelagic (open sea) but brought to the coasts by winds and currents.

Scientific family

Scyphozoa (Pelagiidae)

Community photos

Photos submitted and verified by Meduseo users. (255)

Pelagia Noctiluca

20/09/2026 Malevizi

Pelagia Noctiluca

19/09/2026 Almuñécar

Pelagia Noctiluca

18/09/2026 Agios Ioannis

Pelagia Noctiluca

17/09/2026 Málaga

Pelagia Noctiluca

17/09/2026 Skiathos

Pelagia Noctiluca

16/09/2026 Salobreña

Pelagia Noctiluca

15/09/2026 Karpathos

Pelagia Noctiluca

12/09/2026 Mataró

Pelagia Noctiluca

11/09/2026 Kissamos

Pelagia Noctiluca

11/09/2026 Sóller

Pelagia Noctiluca

11/09/2026 Ciutadella

Pelagia Noctiluca

11/09/2026 Gualchos

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What to do if stung?

Check our first aid guide to know how to react.

View first aid guide