Moon jellyfish, common and often translucent marine animals, are found in coastal waters across the globe. Many people wonder if these creatures, with their delicate appearance, can sting.
The Moon Jellyfish Sting: What to Know
Yes, moon jellyfish do sting, but their sting is very mild. The sensation is compared to a minor skin irritation or a mosquito bite. Jellyfish sting using specialized cells called nematocysts, which are located on their tentacles. These microscopic barbed stingers contain venom and are used for defense and to capture prey. For humans, their venom is not potent enough to effectively penetrate human skin, which contributes to the mildness of their sting.
What a Moon Jellyfish Sting Feels Like
A moon jellyfish sting causes mild symptoms localized to the area of contact. You may experience a slight burning sensation, a prickling feeling, or mild itching. A faint rash with minor redness or purple patches may also appear. These symptoms are temporary and subside quickly, often within minutes to a few hours. This mild reaction contrasts with the more severe symptoms associated with stings from other jellyfish species, such as intense pain, muscle cramps, or difficulty breathing.
First Aid for Moon Jellyfish Stings
Prompt first aid can alleviate discomfort from a moon jellyfish sting. Begin by rinsing the affected area thoroughly with seawater to remove any remaining tentacles and venom. Avoid using freshwater, as it can cause more stinging cells to fire and worsen the sting. Gently remove any visible tentacles from the skin using tweezers or a gloved hand, rather than rubbing the area, which can trigger further venom release.
For continued discomfort, applying a cold pack to the sting site can help reduce pain and swelling. An oral antihistamine may also be taken to help with itching and rash. Medical attention is rarely needed, but seek it if symptoms worsen or if you experience a severe reaction like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a widespread rash.
How to Avoid Moon Jellyfish Stings
A few precautions can help prevent moon jellyfish stings. Be aware of jellyfish in the water, and ask lifeguards or local authorities about recent sightings or warnings. Wearing protective clothing, such as a wetsuit or a rash guard, can provide a physical barrier between your skin and jellyfish tentacles. These garments are effective because jellyfish tentacles only sting through light contact. Even seemingly dead jellyfish washed ashore can still have active stinging cells, so avoid direct contact.
About Moon Jellyfish
Moon jellyfish, scientifically known as Aurelia aurita, are easily recognized by their translucent, saucer-shaped bell. A distinguishing feature is their four horseshoe-shaped gonads, visible through the bell and typically mauve, violet, reddish, pink, or yellowish. They can grow to a diameter of 10 to 35 centimeters, with some reaching up to 40 centimeters.
They inhabit coastal waters worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, often found near the surface. They are not strong swimmers and drift with ocean currents. Their diet consists of zooplankton, captured using their short, fine tentacles that line the bell margin. The life cycle of moon jellyfish involves both sexual and asexual reproduction, transitioning from a larval stage to a polyp, and then budding off into the free-swimming medusa form.