Barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Rhizostoma pulmo
- Common name
- Barrel jellyfish
- Category
- Cnidarians
- Family
- Rhizostomatidae
- Genus
- Rhizostoma
- Size
- 30–60 cm
- Depth
- 0–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- open-water, pelagic
- Behaviours
- pelagic
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Rhizostoma pulmo is a large jellyfish reaching 60 cm in bell and 10 kg. Whitish to bluish bell edged with a characteristic purple fringe. Mild sting: passing itching, not very painful. Found in Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal waters, sometimes beached in the millions. Feeds on plankton by filtering through its oral arms.
Photo of Barrel jellyfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Barrel jellyfish?
- Barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) reaches 30–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Barrel jellyfish?
- Barrel jellyfish is found between 0–50 m deep.
- Is the Barrel jellyfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Barrel jellyfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Barrel jellyfish?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Cyanea capillata - Lion's mane jellyfish
- Plumularia setacea - Feathery hydroid
- Cassiopea andromeda - Upside-down jellyfish
- Condylactis gigantea - Giant Caribbean anemone
- Bartholomea annulata - Corkscrew anemone
- Palythoa caribaeorum - Caribbean mat zoanthid
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 135299)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5185453)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia