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Rhizostoma octopus
Harmless

Rhizostoma octopus

Scyphozoa (Rhizostomatidae)

One of the largest jellyfish in Europe. Despite its impressive size, it often shelters small juvenile fish that come to hide under its umbrella to protect themselves from predators.

Sting symptoms

Generally harmless, but the mucus released in the water around it can be slightly irritating.

Identification

Massive, white to bluish bell-shaped, often with a blue or purple edge. It has no long tentacles but very large, folded oral arms resembling a cauliflower.
Size
Umbrella: up to 90 cm (very massive)
Habitat
Coastal zones and estuaries.
Scientific family

Scyphozoa (Rhizostomatidae)

Community photos

Photos submitted and verified by Meduseo users. (49)

Rhizostoma octopus
13/07/2026 La Tranche-sur-Mer
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 Fouesnant
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 Royan
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 Arcachon
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 La Grande-Motte
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 Pals
Rhizostoma octopus
12/07/2026 Les Sables-d'Olonne
Rhizostoma octopus
11/07/2026 Licata
Rhizostoma octopus
11/07/2026 Bretignolles-sur-Mer
Rhizostoma octopus
11/07/2026 La Couarde-sur-Mer
Rhizostoma octopus
11/07/2026 Guérande
Rhizostoma octopus
11/07/2026 Pornic
Rhizostoma octopus
10/07/2026 Meschers-sur-Gironde
Rhizostoma octopus
10/07/2026 Les Sables-d'Olonne
Rhizostoma octopus
10/07/2026 Île-d'Aix
Rhizostoma octopus
09/07/2026 Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Rhizostoma octopus
09/07/2026 Meschers-sur-Gironde
Rhizostoma octopus
09/07/2026 Les Sables-d'Olonne
Rhizostoma octopus
07/07/2026 Pénestin
Rhizostoma octopus
07/07/2026 La Turballe
Rhizostoma octopus
07/07/2026 Empuriabrava
Rhizostoma octopus
07/07/2026 La Turballe
Rhizostoma octopus
06/07/2026 San Vincenzo