Mauve stinger

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean · Indian Ocean · Pacific Ocean · Caribbean Sea

Marine region

The hotels are welcoming holidaymakers, the beaches are ready, but an unpleasant surprise awaits in the water. In the early 1980s, swarms of mauve stingers made swimming difficult along several Mediterranean coasts. Fishers had to contend with them too. The situation became serious enough for an international meeting to be held in Athens in 1983. Rarely had a jellyfish caused so much discussion far from the sea.

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Habitat

Open water

Depth

1-30 m

Group

Role

Predator

Average size

Ø 10 cm

Good to know

Caution: contact with its tentacles causes a burning sensation, itching and significant skin lesions.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The pinkish to violet bell of the mauve stinger carries numerous small mauve bumps. These also occur on the arms hanging underneath.

Four broad arms with wavy edges differ from the eight much finer tentacles arising from the bell edge.

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