Marine species guide
Jellyfish
Jellyfish encounters range from harmless moon jellies to painful Pelagia blooms and rare dangerous cubozoans. Divers need pattern recognition and local seasonal awareness more than Latin names alone.
Identification features
A bell (umbrella) and trailing tentacles define most jelly bodies. Pelagia noctiluca (mauve stinger) is pink-purple with warty bell and long tentacles—common in Mediterranean warm seasons. Moon jellies show four horseshoe gonads and short, mild tentacles.
- Bell plus tentacles
- Seasonal bloom patterns
- Species differ widely in sting severity
- Check local beach and dive alerts
Habitat and behaviour
Box jellyfish (cubozoans) have a cube bell and are more typical of tropical Indo-Pacific waters; treat unidentified tropical cubozoans with extreme caution.
Where and when to see them
Turtles eat some jellies—another reason to know what’s in the water column on a given week.
Dive tips
Turtles eat some jellies—another reason to know what’s in the water column on a given week.
Frequently asked questions
How do I confirm the ID?
Combine visible traits with location and depth, then compare photos in Scuba Steve’s fish identification app and regional guides.
Should I touch it?
No. Maintain neutral buoyancy and a respectful distance for safety and animal welfare.
Where can I learn more?
See related dive-site guides on Scuba Steve and ask local operators about recent conditions.