Pelagia noctiluca, commonly known as the Purple-Striped Jellyfish or Mauve Stinger, is easily recognizable by its striking coloration and distinctive features:
Color: The medusa ranges from pale red to mauve-brown or purple, adorned with pink or mauve warts.
Shape: The bell is mushroom-shaped, measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, with 16 marginal lobes and eight marginal tentacles that can extend up to 3 meters.
Oral Arms: It has four thick, frilled oral arms used for feeding.
Bioluminescence: This species can glow in the dark, emitting flashes of light when stimulated by turbulence.
The Purple-Striped Jellyfish is widely distributed in warm and temperate waters across the world’s oceans, including:
Mediterranean Sea
Red Sea
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean: Sightings have been reported off Hawaii, southern California, and Mexico.
Typically an offshore species, it occasionally washes up near coastlines and may be found stranded on beaches.
Name Origin: The Latin name Pelagia noctiluca translates to „sea night light,“ reflecting its bioluminescent capabilities.
Diet: Feeds mainly on pelagic ascidians and small jellyfish.
Primitive Anatomy: Possesses a simple digestive cavity, lacks a centralized nervous system, and has no gaseous exchange, excretory, or circulatory systems.
Cnidocytes: Equipped with specialized cells that secrete nematocyst toxins for prey capture and defense.
Movement: Moves by pulsating its bell, which is optimal between 8° to 26°C, and is carried in large swarms by currents.
Reproduction: Reproduces sexually, with eggs developing into planulae, then ephyrae, and finally young medusae over the course of a month.
Jellyfish stings can be painful and potentially dangerous, so it’s important to know how to properly treat them. Here are the steps to follow if you or someone else is stung by a jellyfish:
Get Out of the Water: If you’re in the water when stung, calmly and quickly get out to prevent further stings and ensure you’re in a safe place to receive treatment.
Avoid Rubbing the Area: Do not rub the sting area, as this can release more venom from the jellyfish tentacles and worsen the sting.
Remove Tentacles Carefully: Use tweezers or the edge of a credit card to carefully remove any visible tentacles from the skin. Avoid using your bare hands.
Rinse with Vinegar: Rinse the sting area with vinegar (acetic acid) for at least 30 seconds. This helps neutralize the venom and prevent further discharge from the nematocysts. If vinegar is not available, use saltwater. Do not use fresh water, as it can trigger the release of more venom.
Soak in Hot Water: After rinsing with vinegar, soak the affected area in hot water (not scalding) for 20-45 minutes. The heat can help alleviate pain and inactivate the toxins. The ideal temperature is between 40°C to 45°C (104°F to 113°F).
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Topical pain relief creams or sprays may also be useful.
Monitor for Severe Reactions: Be vigilant for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Seek Medical Attention: If the sting is severe, covers a large area, or shows signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), seek medical attention promptly. In some cases, antivenom may be required.
Stay Calm and Rest: After initial treatment, keep the affected area still and rest. Avoid strenuous activities that might exacerbate the pain or cause further injury.
Wear Protective Gear: When swimming in jellyfish-prone areas, wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved swim tops or leggings, a long wetsuit or a stinger suit.
Stay Informed: Check local advisories for jellyfish warnings before swimming.
Avoid Touching Jellyfish: Even dead jellyfish or detached tentacles can still sting, so avoid touching them.
Rescue Diver Training teaches you to follow these steps, you can effectively manage a jellyfish sting and reduce the risk of complications.
Divers can encounter the Purple-Striped Jellyfish at several notable sites around Gozo and Malta at certain times of year:
Billingshurst Cave: Near Reqqa Point on Gozo’s north coast, where these jellyfish are often seen at depths of around 20 meters.
Blue Hole: A renowned dive site offering clear waters and abundant marine life, providing excellent chances to spot this bioluminescent species.
Coral Cave in Dwejra: Another prime location for encountering these fascinating creatures amidst Gozo’s underwater treasures.
Embrace the opportunity to witness the enchanting Purple-Striped Jellyfish in Gozo’s vibrant marine environments, and experience the wonder of its bioluminescent displays during your underwater adventures.
