A troubling rise in purple jellyfish sightings across parts of the Aegean Sea is raising alarms among marine biologists, local authorities, and beachgoers alike. The species behind the spike is the Pelagia noctiluca, commonly known as the mauve stinger — a small but potent jellyfish known for its striking appearance and painful sting.

According to the Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory, the current outbreak is spreading faster than anticipated and has been confirmed in locations from Chalkida and the northern Evian Gulf to Skiathos and Skopelos in the Northern Sporades. The Observatory urges heightened caution, especially as the summer tourism season peaks.

What Is the Mauve Stinger?

The Pelagia noctiluca, also known as the purple-striped jelly, is a pelagic jellyfish, meaning it lives in the open sea, typically found at depths ranging from 0 to 1,600 meters. Though it may seem small — with a bell diameter of up to 10 cm (4 inches) — its tentacles can extend to a staggering 10 meters (33 feet), making encounters potentially dangerous.

This jellyfish begins life with an orange-brown color, but as it matures, it develops the intense purple hue that gives it its name.

jellyfish greece

Hellenic Biodiversity observatory

Its diet consists mainly of salps, tunicates, crustaceans, and fish eggs, making it a key predator in its ecosystem.

Where and Why It’s a Problem Now

The Aegean spike reflects a broader trend across the Mediterranean, with similar outbreaks reported in Spain, France, Italy, and the Adriatic in recent years. The current worst-hit region is the Strait of Gibraltar.

In Greece, the Pagasetic Gulf, northern Evia, and the Northern Sporades are the hardest-hit areas so far. Experts warn that northerly currents and favorable wind conditions are helping the jellyfish spread.

Beachgoers: What You Should Know

✔ Check weather and wind before visiting beaches.
Visit windy.com (also available as an app) to ensure the wind is opposite to the beach orientation — this reduces the likelihood of jellyfish washing ashore.

✔ Avoid beaches with visible plankton.
Plankton attracts jellyfish, increasing your risk of encountering them in the water.

✔ Do not go swimming if jellyfish are present.
If mauve stingers are spotted at a beach in large numbers, do not enter the water.

✔ Don’t touch jellyfish on land.
Even dead jellyfish or fragments buried in sand can still sting. Never step on or attempt to remove them barefoot.

What to Do If Stung

  • Rinse with seawater (not fresh water, it may make the symptoms worse).
  • Apply a 1:1 solution of seawater and baking soda for 3 minutes.
  • Use a plastic card to gently scrape away any stingers.
  • Apply wrapped ice to the area to reduce pain.
  • If symptoms persist, visit a pharmacy or medical center for antihistamines or corticosteroid creams.

Symptoms may include:

  • Intense burning sensation
  • Redness and visible jellyfish imprint
  • Nausea, headache, vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing in extreme cases

Help Scientists Track the Spread

Marine biologists need help monitoring the outbreak. You can contribute by:

  • Uploading photos of jellyfish to iNaturalist.org, or via its mobile app.
  • Include the species name (Pelagia noctiluca) or simply “cnidaria” if you’re unsure.
  • Record the exact location and date of your sighting.

These reports are compiled into a public Google Map, accessible by locals, tourists, and researchers, allowing everyone to stay informed and safe.