Species

Nomad Jelly

Rhopilema nomadica, Galil, 1990

marine

About Nomad Jelly

Rhopilema nomadica, the nomad jellyfish, is a jellyfish indigenous to tropical warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Since 1970's it has been also found in Mediterranean Sea, where it entered via the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration). It has been found in the Eastern Mediterranean, off the coast of Lebanon, Israel, Gaza, Cyprus, Turkey, and in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Greece. R. nomadica's body is light blue and the bell is rounded. It can grow up to 10 kg of weight, and its bell is commonly 40–60 cm in diameter, but can be up to 90 cm. The European Union lists it as one of the worst invasive marine species in European waters.

Humans & conservation

R. nomadica can cause very painful injuries to humans, since it has vermicular filaments, which are covered in venomous stinging cells, in the mouth arms. The R. nomadica had caused the largest numbers of envenomisations along the southern Levant coast. These jellyfishes are notorious for the large swarms they form in the summertime. The R. nomadica have caused a socioeconomic problem in Israel because of such outbreaks, during which they can release their venomous stinging cells. The outbreak has caused seaside visits to be reduced from 3-10.5%, causing a monetary loss of $6 million for recreational beaches.

Their presence can clog up seawater intake systems, such as those used by seawater-cooled power plants.

Where to see it

No dive sites list Nomad Jelly yet. Explore the map to find sites near you.