Beyond the notorious lion’s mane jellyfish, which has caused discomfort for tourists, beachgoers, and fishermen, purple jellyfish—scientifically known as Pelagia noctiluca—continue to appear along Greek coastlines. To help the public stay informed, we’re sharing a live, interactive map tracking recent sightings across the country.
Where Are They Appearing?
So far, most reports have clustered in parts of Evia and Phthiotis—including Chalkida, Arkitssa, Drosia, and several locations along the Pagasetic Gulf. However, according to the citizen-science platform iNaturalist, sightings are scattered almost everywhere—from the Ionian islands to the northern Aegean and even Crete.
How the Map Works
The live map draws real-time data from two main sources: verified online submissions on iNaturalist and reports shared by the volunteer group ‘Jellyfish in Greece’ via social media. It’s updated continuously as new observations come in.
What Makes Purple Jellyfish Distinct?
These jellyfish stand out from others due to several physical traits:
- Color: Pink, violet, or lilac bell
- Bell: Cloudy and relatively thick, often with small bumps or spots
- Mouth arms: Four long, wavy, and highly visible oral arms
- Tentacles: Eight long, thin, peripheral tentacles
- Appearance: More vividly colored and ‘speckled’—not glass-like and transparent
- Sting: Strong and often painful; never touch a live or stranded specimen
About the Species
Pelagia noctiluca belongs to the Pelagiidae family and is currently the only officially recognized species in its genus. Its scientific name reflects its nature: pelagia comes from the Greek word pelagos (‘sea’), while noctiluca combines Latin words for ‘night’ (nox) and ‘light’ (lux)—referring to its bioluminescent ability to glow in the dark.
It’s found globally in tropical and warm-temperate seas. While widely recorded in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico, some researchers suspect that certain Atlantic records may actually represent closely related but still undescribed species.
What to Do If Stung
According to Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY), follow these steps if stung:
- Remove tentacles carefully—never with bare hands, as this can transfer stinging cells to your skin.
- Rinse thoroughly with seawater—do not use freshwater, which can trigger remaining nematocysts.
- Avoid rubbing with sand; modern guidance favors gentle rinsing over abrasive methods.
- Apply cold compresses or ice to reduce local swelling and pain.
- Use a corticosteroid cream to ease inflammation, itching, and burning.
- Take an antihistamine to help control allergic-type reactions.
If symptoms worsen—such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or widespread rash—seek medical attention immediately.