Fried jellyfish: is this animal that has filled the beaches of the Mediterranean dangerous?

With the arrival of summer jellyfish to the beaches. When we see them in the water, we tend to be equally scared, although not all of them are the same. toxic. For example, the fried jellyfish, which has recently become widespread in coasts washed by the Mediterranean Sea, it only causes a slight burning sensation on the skin. This dish is tasteless, but not dangerous. In fact, in Mar Menor, one of the areas of Spain in which it has been seen most often in recent days, its presence is a good sign as it indicates that ecosystems are recovering from all the hardships these waters have gone through.

But getting back to fried egg jellyfishCotylorhiza tuberculata)No matter how harmless it may be, it doesn’t hurt to know how to spot it and, above all, learn how to act when it bites.

This is actually very easy to spot. Its name is perfect because it really does look like a big fried egg. 40 centimeters in diameter. In addition, its tentacles have very bright colors that vary in the range white to purple, passing through the blue color. And in fact, perhaps this is not the best way to recognize it at first glance, but the fact that it has its own hotel is very interesting. Or maybe it’s a hostel, we’re not sure yet.

Fried jellyfish: from the open sea to summer beaches

Fried jellyfish can be found both in very deep waters and on beaches. The latter is happening especially in summerwhen they approach the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is especially common in the Mar Menor, where in some years it caused major plague epidemics.

Therefore, it is not difficult to meet one of them and feel its sting. This happens when we accidentally rub against its tentacles, which contain stinging cells called cnidocytes. He usually uses them for protection from predators. Some animals suffer more than others and in the case of humans we are not at risk, but the area may become irritated and we may feel some burning.

In these cases, as with any jellyfish sting, the first thing to do is to rinse the sting site with salt water. After this, since it is not dangerous, ice is enough to calm the inflammation. In any case, if we see that we are not improving, the best option will always be seek medical help.

Hotel at the bottom of the sea

There are two very interesting features in the relationship between the fried egg jellyfish and other animals. Firstly, it is quite common to see very small fish swims between its tentacles. They are a species that does not suffer any harm from the stinging substances of their cnidocytes, so they protect each other from their own predators.

On the other hand, planktonic organisms known as dinoflagellates also often live here. They carry out photosynthesis, just like microalgae. In this case, a symbiotic relationship arises from which both participants benefit. On the one hand, dinoflagellates have the protection of the fried jellyfish. And, on the other hand, it uses part of the energy that is released from photosynthesis made by their little guests.

You could say it uses dinoflagellates as its driving force. A motor that moves it along the coasts without causing harm to anyone. It’s a little itchy at most, but nothing dangerous. If you see it, stay away, but leave her alone. You are the one invading his home, and he can do no harm to you.