A remarkable marine visitor has been recently observed off the shores of Mansouri Beach — the Pelagia noctiluca, commonly known as the mauve stinger. Recognized for its beautiful pink to purple hues and its bioluminescent glow, this jellyfish is both captivating and caution-worthy.
The Pelagia noctiluca is an open-ocean jellyfish species often seen drifting toward the Lebanese coast during periods of warm currents or shifting water conditions. Its presence at Mansouri Beach is a reminder of the delicate and dynamic relationship between the open Mediterranean and Lebanon’s nearshore ecosystems.
While stunning in appearance — with its umbrella-like bell covered in stinging cells (nematocysts) and long trailing tentacles — the mauve stinger can deliver a painful sting to swimmers. Though not typically dangerous, the sting may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Interestingly, Pelagia noctiluca is also known for its bioluminescence. At night, especially when disturbed, it emits a faint bluish glow, creating a magical light show beneath the surface. This trait has earned it the nickname “night-light jellyfish.”
Its appearance in Mansouri is a natural phenomenon, potentially linked to changes in water temperature, nutrient levels, and current shifts. It may also serve as an indicator of changing marine conditions, including climate-induced stress on ocean systems.
As always, local conservationists and beachgoers are encouraged to report such sightings to Lebanon’s citizen science platforms. While the jellyfish brings wonder, it also signals the need for increased awareness of how climate and human impacts are affecting marine biodiversity along Lebanon’s coast.
Pelagia noctiluca, also known as the mauve stinger, is a small, open-ocean jellyfish known for its striking pink to purple color and bioluminescence—it can glow in the dark when disturbed. It has tentacles with stinging cells that can cause mild to painful skin irritation in swimmers.
The appearance of Pelagia noctiluca at Mansouri Beach is likely due to shifts in sea currents or rising water temperatures. While not usually dangerous, it’s a sign of changing marine conditions and may reflect broader climate-related changes in the Mediterranean Sea.
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