Hundreds of ‘huevo frito’ (fried egg) jellyfish are being washed up along the coastline of Torrevieja and Orihuela this summer. The Acequión beach in Torrevieja has been plagued by these cnidarians during recent days causing fear to many bathers, however, this type of jellyfish is practically harmless.
The fried egg jellyfish is a species of jellyfish from the Cepheidae family. The origin of its common name is because of its similarity to a fried egg. In addition, it is easy to identify by its colourful purple tentacles.
This cnidarian can measure up to 25 cm, although they normally reach 15 cm in length. Generally, they form in large schools of jellyfish that can be annoying to bathers. Although, they are practically harmless, their rubbing can cause a slight reaction to the skin for some people, although it does not pose any danger.
Due to the weakness of the bites of Cotylorhiza tuberculata, in the Vega Baja no measures have been taken. Therefore, bathers will not be informed of their presence by means of a white flag earing the jellyfish symbol which is usually raised to warn of such specimens.
It should be noted that this year the jellyfish have arrived much earlier than in other summers, and there are many more.
