Skip to content
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. (252)

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
Pelagia Noctiluca
10/09/2026 Skopelos
Pelagia Noctiluca
09/09/2026 Roquetas de Mar
Pelagia Noctiluca
09/09/2026 Municipla unit of Milies

What to do if stung?

Check our first aid guide to know how to react.