Common Name: Fried egg jellyfish

Scientific Names: Cotylorhiza tuberculata

Description: Although this species can grow quite large (35cm), in Maltese waters it is commonly from 5-10cm in diameter. The surface of the bell is smooth and yellow and with a raised centre giving the impression of a fried egg. The tentacles under the bell are very short and some have purple coloured ends.

Distinctive Features: Has a yellow bell with short tentacles with purple ends.

Abundance: Likely to be seen on half your snorkelling sessions in the late summer.

Habitat & Behaviour: It lives in the water column and is seen close to the surface. Occasionally there are small fish seeking shelter in the tentacles (see video).

Reaction to Snorkellers & Divers: None, and no threat to divers or snorkellers.

Other Notes: It is one of the species of wrasse that builds seaweed nests for its eggs and this behaviour can be observed in shallow water.

Text: Bob Earll
Photo: Russell & Gill Bennett
Video: Luke Adshead