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Mauve stinger

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

It took thousands of jellyfish to bring people together in Athens. Since 1981, mass arrivals of mauve stingers had disrupted several parts of the Mediterranean, with particularly intense blooms in the Adriatic. Beaches experienced repeated stinging incidents, while fishers faced unusual difficulties. The problem soon extended beyond local concerns. From 31 October to 4 November 1983, an international meeting held under the United Nations Environment Programme brought specialists together to discuss the blooms. An unexpected place for this pink-and-purple jellyfish, even in the files of Mediterranean cooperation.

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Habitat of Mauve stinger Habitat
Open water
Depth range of Mauve stinger Depth
1-30 m
Biological group of Mauve stinger Group
Ecological role of Mauve stinger 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 long filaments of the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) contrast with four broader arms hanging in the centre. Eight fine tentacles arise from the edge of the umbrella, the rounded bell.

Pink and violet colour this bell and the scalloped arms with wavy edges. Small mauve bumps dot their surface, giving the spots actual relief.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives in open water and occurs both offshore and near the coast. Present in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, it may appear in large numbers depending on environmental conditions.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The mauve stinger’s long tentacles are only part of its feeding apparatus: stinging cells also cover the oral arms and bell. They help catch crustaceans and gelatinous prey, including comb jellies, other jellyfish and salps. Small fish can also be taken. Mucus then helps move food towards the mouth. Prey held near the oral arms reveals a transport stage after interception in water and before ingestion.

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Mauve stinger

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