What Kind Of Jellyfish Can You Find On The Beaches Of Spain? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

The endlessly hot weather and accompanying rising sea temperatures means that the Spanish coast is experiencing a huge surge in its jellyfish numbers. You’re most likely to find jellyfish in Spain where the Mediterranean touches land. Sadly this is also where you’re most likely to find holidaymakers in the water.

The jellyfish tourists are being warned to watch out for this year is known as the fried egg jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata), a species that has spread chiefly around Alicante's coastline. Why has it been given that nickname? It’s simple really! Because it looks just like a fried egg!

The good news is that fried egg jellyfish don’t pose a risk to humans: just leave them in their ecosystem (don’t bring them to shore) and enjoy your swim!

The species of jellyfish you’ll spot in Spain varies from region and season. The one thing that’s certain is that it’s likely you’ll spot a jellyfish or two!

But which species will you spot? And what are the most dangerous jellyfish in Spain? Here’s everything you need to know:

Why Are There So Many Jellyfish In Spain?

There are several factors that, when taken together, have contributed to the rising jellyfish population in Spain. These include the decline of natural predators due to overfishing and the loss of biodiversity due to manmade influences. Climate change is also a factor.

Rising temperatures, drought and lack of rainfall have limited the flow of inland waters into the sea which means the water is warmer closer to the coastline. This means there is no natural barrier of cool water for the jellyfish, and they can come much closer to the shore than usual.

What Happens If You’re Stung By A Jellyfish?

The answer to this question will largely depend on what kind of jellyfish you come into contact with. But for your peace of mind its worth noting that in most cases contact with a jellyfish only causes minor discomfort in the form of burning or stinging. There are other jellyfish that are extremely dangerous.

That’s why jellyfish awareness is so important. If you’re stung and you can identify the type of jellyfish that you were stung by then this can make treatment much easier. That’s where our handy list comes in.

These Are The Most Common Jellyfish Species In Spain:

Cotylorhiza tuberculata 

We’ve already briefly mentioned this newly prevelant jellyfish above. You’ll know them because they look like a fried egg with eight arm-like tubes covered with small, tentacle-like appendages. These are 25-30cm in diameter and you’re most likely to find them in the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor. If you’re stung by cotylorhiza tuberculata then it’s effects are fortunately mild. You may experience minor skin irritation and itching.

Pelagia noctiluca  

You won’t want to eat the Pelagia noctiluca: it bears no resemblance to foodstuff. Instead this reddish-pink jellyfish is covered in warts and has 16 tentacles. It is known as a luminous jellyfish and is around 20cm in diameter, but some can be bigger. You’re likely to find this jellyfish in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea.  It causes irritation and itching of the skin and can even leave an open wound that can become infected. In some people its venom may cause respiratory, cardiovascular and dermatological problems that can be prolonged over time.

Rhizostoma pulmo

This is a barrel shaped jellyfish that looks a little like a dustbin lid. It is bell shaped with 8 tentacles, and is blue/white in colour. You’ll know this jellyfish for its size. At between 90-100 cm in diameter it is by far the largest on our list. You’ll find this in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea. It can cause skin irritation but not serious dermatological issues.

Aurelia aurita

The Aurelia aurita is better known as the common jellyfish or the moon jellyfish. When you think of a jellyfish, this is probably what you imagine! It is clear/white in colour and covered in short tentacles. You’ll find this in coastal waters and the lagoon of Mar Menor. The good news is this jellyfish poses no danger to health.

Chrysaora hysoscella

Better known as the compass jellyfish this is another luminescent species and is yellow/white in colour. It has a distinctive radial pattern, 24 long tentacles, and can grow up to 30cm in diameter. As the name suggests, its markings look like a compass! Because of its long tentacles there is a high risk of being stung if you get close to a compass jellyfish. Effects include itching and burning, and you may experience a reddened rash shaped like a target with a bullseye that can quickly become infected, even necrotic) and oedema (intense swelling of skin tissue).

Physalia physalis

Perhaps the most dangerous jellyfish of all is the Portuguese man o' war  but this isn’t actually a jellyfish at all! It is an organism made up of smaller organisms, so it is known as a false jellyfish. And it is dangerous! It’s potent venom can cause serious risk to human health . In addition to burning and lacerating the skin, the pain from the sting can cause neurogenic shock (trouble keeping heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature stable because of damage done to the nervous system), with the consequent danger of drowning before help arrives. You’ll see this mosty in the Atlantic, but they can also be spotted in the Mediterranean sea too.

Carybdea marsupialis

This is a box jellyfish often referred to as a sea wasp for its small size. Its only 5-6cm in diameter and is clear with a white/blue hue which can make it very difficult to spot in blue Spanish waters. This jellyfish is as small as it is dangerous.  It has four long tentacles that can extend up to 10 times the size of its body, and it poses a serious threat to life. The good news is that this jellyfish is very rare in Spanish waters.

Mnemiopsis leidyi

Finally, the Mnemiopsis leidyi is better known as the sea walnut or the warty comb jellyfish. It is transparent and bulb shaped. This is distinctive because it doesn’t have any tentacles. As a result, this jellyfish poses no risk to human health. You’ll only find this breed in the waters of the western Atlantic coast.

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