Chrysaora hysoscella

Stinging

Chrysaora hysoscella

Scyphozoa (Pelagiidae)

Its "compass" name comes from the brown V-shaped patterns drawn on its umbrella, resembling a compass rose. It is a hermaphroditic species: first male, it becomes female as it ages.

Sting symptoms

Very painful sting, often leaves red whip-like marks on the skin.

Identification

Flattened yellowish-white umbrella, adorned with 16 brown bands radiating from the center to the edges. It has 24 fine marginal tentacles and 4 long, folded, voluminous oral arms in its center.

Size

Umbrella: 15 to 30 cm

Habitat

Coastal waters, often visible near the surface.

Scientific family

Scyphozoa (Pelagiidae)

Community photos

Photos submitted and verified by Meduseo users. (31)

Chrysaora hysoscella

11/07/2026 Petit-Caux

Chrysaora hysoscella

11/07/2026 Petit-Caux

Chrysaora hysoscella

11/07/2026 Formby

Chrysaora hysoscella

08/07/2026 Llandudno

Chrysaora hysoscella

07/07/2026 Hamble-le-Rice

Chrysaora hysoscella

28/06/2026 Deauville

Chrysaora hysoscella

21/06/2026 Scicli

Chrysaora hysoscella

21/06/2026 Cabourg

Chrysaora hysoscella

21/06/2026 La Rochelle

Chrysaora hysoscella

13/06/2026 Le Château-d'Oléron

Chrysaora hysoscella

13/06/2026 Le Château-d'Oléron

Chrysaora hysoscella

13/06/2026 La Baule-Escoublac

Chrysaora hysoscella

12/06/2026 Cervia

Chrysaora hysoscella

12/06/2026 Cervia

Chrysaora hysoscella

11/06/2026 Le Croisic

Chrysaora hysoscella

09/06/2026 Longeville-sur-Mer

Chrysaora hysoscella

08/06/2026 Cavallino-Treporti

Chrysaora hysoscella

31/05/2026 Châtelaillon-Plage

Chrysaora hysoscella

29/05/2026 Les Sables-d'Olonne

Chrysaora hysoscella

28/05/2026 Longeville-sur-Mer

Chrysaora hysoscella

28/05/2026 Giulianova

Chrysaora hysoscella

28/05/2026 Caorle

Chrysaora hysoscella

27/05/2026 Les Sables-d'Olonne

Chrysaora hysoscella

26/05/2026 Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

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What to do if stung?

Check our first aid guide to know how to react.

View first aid guide