Sealife guideThe mediterranean jellyfishCotylorhiza tuberculata

Last updated on 09/18/2024 at 11:15 PM
The mediterranean jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata)
The mediterranean jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata)
Taxonomy
  • Common name: Mediterranean jellyfish, Fried egg jellyfish
  • French name: Méduse oeuf au plat
  • Spanish name: Medusa huevo frito
  • Scientific name: Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Macri, 1778)
  • Family name: Cepheidae
  • Order name: Rhizostomeae
  • Class name: The scyphozoans [Scyphozoa]
Description
The mediterranean jellyfish is called the fried egg jellyfish in french due to its striking resemblance to the dish of the same name ! It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful jellyfish in the Mediterranean sea.
The mediterranean jellyfish gets its french name, fried egg jellyfish, from its appearance which closely resembles the dish of the same name !
The mediterranean jellyfish gets its french name, fried egg jellyfish, from its appearance which closely resembles the dish of the same name ! © Vilainecrevette | Dreamstime.com
The size of the mediterranean jellyfish's bell is impressive with an egg-yolk yellow center and pale yellow surrounding it. Its tentacles are short with violet tips.
The mediterranean jellyfish is a medium-sized jellyfish, ranging from about 4 to 12 inches in diameter.
Geographic range
The mediterranean jellyfish is a common and endemic species in the Mediterranean sea. It is also commonly found in the Adriatic sea.
Habitat
Like all jellyfish, the mediterranean jellyfish is a pelagic species that drifts with the currents.
Diet
The mediterranean jellyfish feeds on plankton, small crustaceans and fish larvae.
Did you know ?
The mediterranean jellyfish is considered one of the harmless jellyfish species in the Mediterranean sea, but caution is still advised for allergic individuals, as there have been reports of stings.
The mediterranean jellyfish is a common and endemic jellyfish species in the Mediterranean sea
The mediterranean jellyfish is a common and endemic jellyfish species in the Mediterranean sea © Planctonvideo | Dreamstime.com
The mediterranean jellyfish often shelters small fish among its mildly stinging tentacles, offering them a safe refuge.
Discover also
Black sea nettle (Chrysaora achlyos)
Black sea nettle
(Chrysaora achlyos)
Bladed fire coral (Millepora complanata)
Bladed fire coral
(Millepora complanata)
Blue blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus)
Blue blubber jellyfish
(Catostylus mosaicus)
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Moon jellyfish
(Aurelia aurita)
Pharaoh coral (Acropora parapharaonis)
Pharaoh coral
(Acropora parapharaonis)
Portuguese man of war (Physalia physalis)
Portuguese man of war
(Physalia physalis)
Purple-striped jelly (Pelagia noctiluca)
Purple-striped jelly
(Pelagia noctiluca)
Sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)
Sea nettle
(Chrysaora fuscescens)
The marine species from Mediterranean sea
Cylinder anemone (Cerianthus membranaceus)
Cylinder anemone
(Cerianthus membranaceus)
Damselfish (Chromis chromis)
Damselfish
(Chromis chromis)
Green spoon worm (Bonellia viridis)
Green spoon worm
(Bonellia viridis)
Marine peacock's tail (Padina pavonica)
Marine peacock's tail
(Padina pavonica)
Ocean sunfish (Mola mola)
Ocean sunfish
(Mola mola)
Pink flatworm (Prostheceraeus roseus)
Pink flatworm
(Prostheceraeus roseus)
Pink sea slug (Flabellina affinis)
Pink sea slug
(Flabellina affinis)
Warty crab (Eriphia verrucosa)
Warty crab
(Eriphia verrucosa)

Our latestUpdates

The blueface angelfish
Monday, March 2nd 2026
The blueface angelfish
The blueface angelfish is a very colorful fish of the tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, recognizable by its bright blue head and its bluish body finely reticulated with yellow.
The Atlantic tarpon
Wednesday, February 18th 2026
The Atlantic tarpon
The Atlantic tarpon is a large coastal fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 330 pounds, with a silvery body covered in large, reflective scales. Known as the Silver King, it is famous for its spectacular leaps and fierce fight when hooked by sport fishermen.
The dugong
Friday, January 30th 2026
The dugong
Discover the dugong, a gentle “sea cow” of tropical waters. Learn about its habitat, diet, reproduction, morphology, and the threats facing this unique marine mammal.
Photo of the Day
Requin corail (Triaenodon obesus)
Requin corail
(Triaenodon obesus)