Jellyfish are marine organisms with symmetrical bodies shaped like hats or umbrellas. They have tentacles with stinging cells. They move through the water by contracting their bell-shaped bodies.
First Aid for Jellyfish Stings
In the Adriatic Sea, there are six common types of jellyfish, but only two are dangerous to humans. They are rarely found in shallow waters and do not attack humans; they drift with water currents, so encounters are accidental.
List of Protected Marine Species in the Adriatic
If you get stung by a jellyfish, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Rinse the sting area with seawater: Do not use fresh water or rub the sting.
- Apply a baking soda mixture: Mix seawater and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio and apply to the sting for about two minutes to neutralise toxins.
- Remove stingers: Use a plastic card (like a credit card) to gently scrape off any remaining stingers and the applied mixture.
- Apply a cold compress: Use an ice pack or a bottle of cold water and hold it on the sting for up to 15 minutes. If the pain persists, apply a new cold compress.
- Seek medical advice if needed: If the pain continues, consult a doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend pain relievers or anti-inflammatory creams and gels (e.g., 3-4% lidocaine + hydrocortisone).
Common Types of Jellyfish in the Adriatic Sea
Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella)
- Appearance: Yellow-brown bell up to 30 cm in diameter, resembling a compass.
- Tentacles: Can reach up to one meter long, and their stings are painful.
- Habitat: Seen near the shore in early summer but more commonly found offshore.
- Danger: Causes severe pain and burns, with potential for breathing difficulties, dizziness, or nausea. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Mauve Stinger (Pelagia noctiluca)
- Appearance: Small, semi-circular bell up to 6 cm in diameter, with pink tentacles up to 20 cm long.
- Special Feature: Bioluminescent (glows in the dark).
- Habitat: Typically found in open waters but can be washed ashore by currents.
- Danger: Causes intense pain and burn-like injuries that heal slowly, possibly leaving scars.
Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo)
- Appearance: White with blue edges, can grow over 60 cm and weigh up to 15 kg.
- Habitat: Common in the Adriatic, especially in winter.
- Danger: Not dangerous to humans but may cause mild irritation for sensitive individuals.
Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
- Appearance: Pinkish colour, often seen near the surface and in coastal areas during spring and summer.
- Danger: Not harmful to humans.
Fried Egg Jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata)
- Appearance: Green-brown bell resembling a fried egg, up to 20 cm in diameter.
- Habitat: Usually found in open waters, but can be seen near the coast in summer.
- Danger: Not harmful to humans.
Sea Walnut (Mnemiopsis leidyi)
- Appearance: Not a true jellyfish but a type of plankton without stinging cells.
- Danger: Not harmful to humans.
Jellyfish on the Island of Brač
In recent years, with rising sea temperatures, jellyfish are becoming more common in the Adriatic. While they mostly stay offshore, accidental encounters with swimmers can occur.
5 Best Family Beaches on island Brač
Fortunately, dangerous jellyfish populations are not commonly seen around the shores and beaches of Brač.
Other Dangerous Adriatic Sea organisms
Sea Anemones: Encounters with anemones can cause pain, redness, and skin rashes. Common types include brown and red anemones, with the highly toxic green anemone being rare in the Adriatic.
Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata): This marine worm, often seen in shallow waters, is known for its distinctive brown-red colour and can grow from 15-30 cm, sometimes up to 70 cm. Active at night and hiding during the day, its bristles can cause skin irritation and a painful burning sensation due to the release of neurotoxins.
