Spanish beaches hit by 'fried egg jellyfish' as warning issued to tourists (2024)

The fried egg jellyfish has been spotted on beaches in the region of Murcia (Image: Ana Rocio Garcia Franco/Moment RF/Getty Images)

A swarm of "fried egg jellyfish" with the ability to sting humans has this month invaded a series of Spanish beaches.

The recent invasion confirms forecasts that jellyfish numbers would increase this year, with the fried egg species spottedon beaches in the region of Murcia.

In addition to their expected destination within the salt lagoon, they've also been sighted in Mediterranean sandbanks, including La Manga or La Llana, reports Antena 3.

Although the jellyfish are common in these particular waters and they usually swim out to sea over winter, it is believed the rise in numbers could be due to an increase in water temperature.

The fried egg species can swim vertically and horizontally as it can contract, expand and turn its body to allow it to move through the sea.

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The fried egg jellyfish can swim both vertically and horizontally (Image: Tomekbudujedomek/Moment RF/Getty Images)

The number of jellyfish has increased in both the water and the sand in areas like Punta Brava beach, in the Mar Menor, over recent days, according to local reports.

Telecinco reports that they have also been sighted in La Llana in San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and the Alicante beaches of Torre de la Horadada, having appeared in the water and been dragged into the sand by the waves.

The Department of the Environment has installed anti-jellyfish nets on beaches in San Pedro del Pinatar and the north of La Manga, including La Mota, Villananitos, La Puntica, Veneziola and Pantalán.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Service issued a report in June warning that a "multitudes of ephyras" of fried egg jellyfish had been spotted in the Mar Menor and that their numbers could multiply in the summer.

A sting from thefried egg jellyfish, known asCotylorhiza tuberculata, is not considered dangerous, but the stinging cells can lead to minor skin irritation. You will likely notice red marks and a tingling sensation.

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They've also been sighted in Mediterranean sandbanks, including La Manga or La Llana (Image: Antonio Carlos Soria Hernandez/iStockphoto/Getty Images)

If you've been stung by a jellyfish on a beach with a lifeguard post or rescue service, it's advised that you contact them to receive treatment.

However, if you're stung in an area with no lifeguard service, you should remove any remaining tentacles that are attached to the skin and wash the area with sea water (don't use fresh water).

Don't scratch the wound but do apply ice (make sure it's inside a cloth or towel) to the affected area to counteract the itching. Contrary to belief, it's not advisable to use urine to treat a jellyfish sting.

Vinegar applied to the area using a cloth or compress is only effective with specific jellyfish stings so you shouldn't do this if you're unsure, and always seek medical assistance when you have persistent or severe pain.