‘A Rare Visitor To Maltese Waters’: Compass Jellyfish Spotted In Vicinity Of Dingli Cliffs
The Compass Jellyfish, a rare visitor in Malta, has been spotted in Maltese waters in the vicinity of Dingli Cliffs.
Oceanography Professor Alan Deidun identified the presence of this jellyfish from photos taken by Philip Spiteri, warning people to stay out of its way.
“This jellyfish surely knows its way about – the compass jellyfish – a rare visitor to Maltese waters and kicking a nasty punch (as it’s a close relative of the mauve stinger). Thanks to Philip Spiteri for the great photos,” he wrote on Facebook.
Chrysaora hysoscella, the compass jellyfish, is a common species of jellyfish that inhabits coastal waters in temperate regions of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Compass Jellyfish populations are increasing with the warming climate and warmer ocean temperatures. Polyps will be more successful in warmer temperatures but not in extreme temperatures. They are predicted to migrate further northwards to maintain ideal conditions.
Thriving jellyfish populations have been found to take over as top predators in areas where finfish have been over-exploited. An increased abundance of jellyfish negatively impacts fish populations in the same region because jellyfish feed on fish eggs and larvae.
Jellyfish and larval fish can also share common dietary preferences. Competition for food resources can result in depleted fish populations. The overpopulation of jellyfish is a concern to humans for many reasons.
Jellyfish stings are painful and sometimes deadly to humans – stay wary of their presence when out swimming but at the same time, respect their habitat.
Have you spotted any jellyfish this year?
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