Purple-striped jellyfish

Pelagia noctiluca

Family Pelagiidae - jellyfishes

Distinguishing
Characteristics
Bell gelatinous, semi-spherical; pink to purple spots on bell and oral arms when alive; pink to purple ribbon-shaped gonads can be seen through bell; 4 scalloped oral arms hang below bell; 8 long thin tentacles originating from margin of bell; sting is moderate to severe.
Similar Species
The pink to purple color distinguishes this jelly from others.
Habitat
Gulf, pelagic
Maximum Size
12 cm (4 3/4 in)
Other Common Names
mauve stinger
Previous Scientific Names
Comments