The presence of jellyfish on the beaches during the summer months is completely normal due to the dragging effect of the marine currents. It is a species whose bites, despite not being serious, are very painful and unpleasant. Well, if that wasn’t enough, bathers in Granada have warned of the presence of a giant jellyfish .
Is the giant jellyfish dangerous?
Several users have shared images of the giant jellyfish, which belongs to the Rhizostoma Luteum species, on social networks. Experts point out that it is very rare in the Mediterranean, but, surprisingly, it has been seen off the coast of Granada, in the municipalities of Motril and Salobreña.
The giant jellyfish can weigh up to 40 kilos and measure between two and three times , although the one found in Granada weighs about seven kilos. Considering its large size, we might think that its bite is dangerous or poisonous. But no. According to ‘El Ideal’, the researchers clarify that it can cause irritations, but it is harmless.
The marine biologist from the University of Granada, Luis Sánchez Tocino, has spoken with ‘El Ideal’ and has clarified that the jellyfish found on the beaches of Granada is not dangerous , although it can be approached to the shore. The most important thing is to avoid touching it and, of course, not to remove it from the water.
At minimal contact with it, the skin can become red and, although it is not as dangerous as other species of jellyfish, it can cause hives and irritation .
They captured a large #jellyfish in Poniente Beach in #Motril this Thursday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/x8mlmd6lbB
– Juanjo Romero (@jrgnueve) July 22, 2021
The giant jellyfish was seen for the first time in Spain in 2012 , on the beaches of Granada, Almería and Murcia. It is relatively easy to identify due to its large size and its white color with purple hues. In addition, it has a dome-shaped umbrella that can measure more than 60 centimeters in diameter, not including the tentacles.
A team of experts from the Higher Council for Scientific Research analyzed this species of jellyfish for the first time to learn more about it.
Laura Prieto, a CSIC researcher who works at the Andalusian Institute of Marine Sciences, explained at the time that it has a series of characteristics that it does not share with other jellyfish . For example, the mother takes her young, which are called planulas, protected until she finds an ideal environment for their survival, and then releases them.
