Simon says: "Meet the invasive nomad jellyfish (Rhopilema nomadica)" - summer's sting & sea's strange beauty!
Nomad jellyfish (Rhopilema nomadica)
🌿 HABITAT
The most infamous is the Nomad jellyfish (Rhopilema nomadica) - an invasive species from the Indian & Pacific Oceans. It entered the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal & has thrived here since the 1970s.
Its body is light blue, with a rounded bell commonly 40–60cm in diameter, but it can reach up to 90cm & weigh 10kg!
You'll also spot the Fried Egg Jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) – harmless & beautiful - plus moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) .
🥚 BREEDING
Jellyfish have a 2-stage life cycle. Adults release sperm & eggs into the water. Fertilised eggs grow into larvae that settle on the seabed, becoming polyps. These polyps then bud off tiny baby jellyfish (ephyrae) when water temperatures drop. In Israel, we are already seeing massive swarms which will be here through September.
🍽️ DIET
Planktotrophic: they feed on zooplankton (tiny floating animals) . The Fried Egg Jellyfish also eats other jellyfish! They trap prey using stinging cells on their tentacles & mouth arms.
⚠️ STING TREATMENT (crucial!)
Nomad jellyfish stings are not life-threatening but are very painful . Here's what to do:
✅ Rinse with seawater or white vinegar (find vinegar at lifeguard huts)
✅ For eye stings: use seawater only - no vinegar
✅ Call MDA on 101 if the sting is widespread
❌ NEVER use fresh water - it triggers more stinging cells
❌ Don't rub the area or use sand (this makes it worse!)
Fun fact: Jellyfish venom can be released as a sticky slime into the water - you don't even need to touch one to get stung !
👀 Pro tip
Southerly & south-westerly winds often bring swarms closer to shore. Check the Israel Nature & Parks Authority jellyfish forecast before heading to the beach.
👉 Follow Imagine Israel Tours for more wild wonders of Israel - above & below the water.
#ImagineIsraelTours #SimonOsterTourGuideIsrael #VisitIsrael #FloraAndFauna #IsraelTouring #TourGuideIsrael #JellyfishIsrael #NomadJellyfish #MediterraneanSea
At Imagine Israel Tours we love to notice not just the big moments of history, but also the small details of nature that make Israel unique.
My name is Simon. I've lived in Israel for 20 years & I'm a Tour Guide - originally from the UK - with a brand new, Hyundai Tucson, a luxury 5-seater touring vehicle, fully licensed & insured to carry passengers.
I'm a qualified first-aider & carry a full first aid kit with me at all times.
I have experience driving & guiding all over Israel as an independent tour guide & have been certified as the Amazon Tour Guide for online virtual tours in the North of Israel. I’m an accredited guide for Israel’s National Parks.🌳
- as well as being a coach tour guide for cruise ship passengers coming into Haifa & Ashdod.🚢
(Front-facing toddler car seat, baby car seat, wheelchair &/or 'Rollator' with seat available on request).
My prices include:
*admission fees to many sites
*comprehensive liability insurance
*fuel
*tolls
*car parking
*snacks
*water
*a unique souvenir of your tour with me
Payments accepted via Revolut, credit cards, bank transfer & PayPal.
I can offer tours to suit young & older - from tiny tots, to those who need a more gentle pace, without too much hiking or climbing!
My website: https://imagineisrael-tours.com/ Google reviews: https://tinyurl.com/3c43uejp
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Please don't hesitate to phone/WhatsApp +972 54 2390412 if I can help plan your tour, or by email: imagineisrael8@gmail.com
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