Jellyfish in France: what species do we meet on our coasts

Pélagie: the (spicy) star of the Mediterranean
Impossible to spend a summer without hearing about. In addition, the Noctiluca Pelagia. Similarly, Her tired purple dress, her stinging tentacles and her nickname “fluorescent jellyfish” make her as famous as they are worrying. Meanwhile, Present on all French Mediterranean coasts. Nevertheless, it sometimes goes back to the Lion Gulf when the hot currents push it to the beaches. Meanwhile, Its bite. For example, comparable to an electric discharge, is not dangerous but leaves a stressful feeling for several hours, accompanied by red traces.

The egg-au-flat jellyfish. However, a beautiful harmless

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She is aptly named: Cotylorhiza Tuberculata displays a yellow central dome surrounded by a transparent hat. Furthermore, Very common in Corsica and on the French Riviera from July, this jellyfish is completely harmless. Therefore, His short and thick tentacles give him the tunes jellyfish france: what species do of “nice” Jellyfish, who hardly stings. Rather lazy, she lets herself be carried by the currents, floating slowly below the surface.

Aurélie. the discreet that gratouille

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The Aurelia Aurita, often nicknamed “Aurélie Medusa”, is present in both rounds and in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. With its translucent hat surrounded by four white rings, it is easy to recognize. His contact is rarely painful: we feel more a slight irritation than a real bite. Aurélies derive in impressive benches, often without attracting attention.

Rhizostom. imposing but peaceful

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Impressive by its size (up to 50 cm in diameter), the Rhizostoma Pulmo is frequent in the Gulf of Gascogne. Its milky white color, sometimes pulling on blue or pale pink, makes it as elegant as they are in offerings. Unlike pelagies, his short tentacles provoke only very light tingling. It is sometimes nicknamed the “barrel jellyfish”.

jellyfish france: what species do

Physalia: false jellyfish. real danger

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Please note, the physalia physalis, or “Portuguese galley”, is not a jellyfish but a colony of polyps. However, its floating appearance, with its bluish veil, deceives the bathers. Extremely stinging, she is able to cause violent pain, discomfort, even respiratory complications. Fortunately. it remains rare on the French coasts, although we have observed some strating on the beaches of the Basque Country.

Why are there sometimes more jellyfish?
The “invasions” of jellyfish are not mysterious: warming of water. overfishing natural predators (such as turtles or red tuna), and favorable currents explain these sudden influx. In the Mediterranean. the combination of prolonged heat and stagnant waters near the coast promotes the multiplication of pelagies on the surface.

Should we really fear them?
The vast majority of French jellyfish are more unpleasant than dangerous. A pelagia sting remains benign (even if painful), and the Atlantic and jellyfish france: what species do sleeve species are generally harmless. Only physalie represents a real risk to health, but it remains exceptional. Just avoid rubbing the stung area. rinse it with sea water and gently remove the filaments with a pliers or a plastic card. In case of high pain or abnormal reaction, an emergency room is preferable.

Rather than dreading them. it is time to learn to spot jellyfish, to understand their role in the ecosystem and to adopt the right reflexes in the event of a meeting. Observing an Aurélie who undulates below the surface. crossing a majestic rhizostome is also a way of rediscovering the richness of our seas. With a little vigilance, jellyfish and bathers can perfectly share the same waters.