Species · GBIF taxon 2264578
Fried Egg Jellyfish
Cotylorhiza tuberculataAlso known as Mediterranean Jellyfish, Mediterranean Jelly
Fried egg jellyfish drift gracefully through warm coastal waters, instantly recognizable by the yellow central dome that mimics a cooked egg yolk. They host photosynthetic algae within their tissues, giving them a greenish-blue tint and providing energy from sunlight. Young fish frequently seek refuge among their short, bulbous tentacles, using the jelly as a floating nursery.
MarineSymbioticPlanktonic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Zooplankton
- Phytoplankton
- Microscopic larvae
Predators
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Ocean Sunfish
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
ThreatsMarine pollution, coastal development, and climate change affecting sea temperatures
HabitatsWarm coastal waters, pelagic zones, and shallow bays
Life spanUp to 6 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRhizostomeae
- FamilyCepheidae
- GenusCotylorhiza
- SpeciesCotylorhiza tuberculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sting is very mild and usually harmless to humans; avoid direct contact with eyes or sensitive skin.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses nematocysts that deliver a very mild venom, which can cause minor skin irritation or itching in sensitive individuals.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its smooth central yellow dome surrounded by a lighter ring and short, club-like tentacles tipped with blue or purple.
- What to do
- Avoid touching the tentacles, especially near the face or eyes, and swim around them calmly.
Responsible observation
- Observe from above: Look for the distinct yellow dome surrounded by a white translucent ring, perfectly mimicking a fried egg.
- Watch for companions: Peer closely at the tentacles to spot tiny juvenile fish seeking shelter from predators.
- Keep a safe distance: While the sting is exceptionally mild, sensitive individuals may still experience light itching.
Co-occurring Species Ales Kladnik from Ljubljana, Slovenia / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Symbiont (c) Foundling, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Symbiotic Relative (c) Pérez-Vigo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Ocean Creatures
Fried Egg Jellyfish is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.