Beachgoers along Spain’s southern coast have been warned of a venomous jellyfish following a string of sightings.
Several witnesses across the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz have spotted the Pelagia noctiluca, better known as the ‘sea carnation’ or glowing jellyfish.
The potentially dangerous species (pictured above) is notorious for its painful sting and eerie nighttime glow.
Alerts have been flooding in via the Medusapp jellyfish-tracking app, with confirmed sightings stretching from Calahonda beach in Mijas to Torre del Mar, and even across the Strait in Ceuta’s northern bay and the waters of Sarchal.
Reports have also emerged from Torreguadiaro in Cadiz.
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While the Pelagia noctiluca is no stranger to Mediterranean waters, its increasing presence near popular tourist beaches has stirred concern among locals and lifeguards alike.
Though its sting isn’t usually life-threatening, it’s far from harmless, causing everything from severe skin irritation and respiratory distress to cardiovascular symptoms that can linger for weeks or even months.
In some cases, the resulting wounds can scar permanently.
Measuring up to 20cm across, the pink-hued jellyfish is easy to miss by day but lights up with a ghostly glow after dark.
Experts say warming sea temperatures may be luring the creatures closer to shore, and warn the problem could worsen due to dwindling numbers of natural predators like loggerhead turtles and bluefin tuna -both in decline due to overfishing and pollution.
Authorities are urging swimmers to steer clear of flagged zones and check apps like Medusapp before heading to the beach.
