Pelagia Nocticula

– Mauve Stinger –

Description:

It is a small jellyfish, with a bell ranging between 6-10 cm in diameter and a wavy-edged float. It is pink to purple in colour and striped in appearance. The mauve stinger has eight tentacles and four oral arms. It has distinct tissues, but no organs, and a single body opening.

The mauve stinger is capable of delivering a strong toxin-filled thread to any organism which may accidentally come into contact with it. Although in humans such contact is not lethal, it can result in considerable discomfort. The estimated life expectancy of the mauve stinger is 2-6 months, with death usually caused by rough waters.

Behaviour:

This jellyfish is very colourful and will phosphoresce when disturbed, leaving luminous mucous if handled. It is not known how P. noctiluca is capable of producing light, but it has been suggested that it may function as a way to communicate. The mauve stinger is capable of detecting light through the use of primitive eyes known as ocelli.

Habitat:

P. noctiluca inhabits the coastal environment of warm, temperate waters. The highest abundances are often found between 12 to 30 m depth.

Distribution:

The mauve stinger has a wide distribution and can be found in all warm and temperate waters, including the Mediterranean Sea. It actively swims in the upper layers (12 -30 m) of offshore waters. Groups of P. noctiluca can drift to coastal waters, were dense aggregations of up to 600 individuals per cubic meter can form.

Food:

P. noctiluca feeds primarily on zooplankton and fish eggs. Prey is paralyzed with nematocysts, which are immediately discharged when P. noctiluca touches a prey item.