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
Acropora pulchra coral (Acropora pulchra)
Acropora pulchra coral
(Acropora pulchra)
Barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo)
Barrel jellyfish
(Rhizostoma pulmo)
Black sea nettle (Chrysaora achlyos)
Black sea nettle
(Chrysaora achlyos)
Blue blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus)
Blue blubber jellyfish
(Catostylus mosaicus)
Giant caribbean anemone (Condylactis gigantea)
Giant caribbean anemone
(Condylactis gigantea)
Lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)
Lion's mane jellyfish
(Cyanea capillata)
Magnificent sea anemone (Radianthus magnifica)
Magnificent sea anemone
(Radianthus magnifica)
Sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)
Sea nettle
(Chrysaora fuscescens)
The marine species from Mediterranean sea
Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Common octopus
(Octopus vulgaris)
Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
Dusky grouper
(Epinephelus marginatus)
European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas)
European spiny lobster
(Palinurus elephas)
Mediterranean rainbow wrasse (Coris julis)
Mediterranean rainbow wrasse
(Coris julis)
Purple-striped jelly (Pelagia noctiluca)
Purple-striped jelly
(Pelagia noctiluca)
Red sea-squirt (Halocynthia papillosa)
Red sea-squirt
(Halocynthia papillosa)
Thornback ray (Raja clavata)
Thornback ray
(Raja clavata)
Umbrella weed (Acetabularia acetabulum)
Umbrella weed
(Acetabularia acetabulum)

Our latestUpdates

Where to see groupers in the Mediterranean ?
Thursday, April 23rd 2026
Where to see groupers in the Mediterranean ?
Discover where to see groupers in the Mediterranean: the best diving spots and protected marine areas to observe this iconic fish in its natural habitat.
The broadnose sevengill shark
Monday, April 20th 2026
The broadnose sevengill shark
Discover the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus), a large primitive coastal shark with seven gill slits living in temperate and subtropical waters around the world.
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.
Photo of the Day
Langouste brésilienne (Panulirus guttatus)
Langouste brésilienne
(Panulirus guttatus)