Depth
Cotylorhiza · Cnidarians (Jellyfish, Anemones & Corals)

Fried Egg Jellyfish

Cotylorhiza tuberculata

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Cnidaria
Genus Cotylorhiza
Species tuberculata

Cnidarian

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA distinctive jellyfish with a flattened, smooth, dome-shaped bell that is blue-white with a prominent golden-yellow centre, resembling a fried egg. Short, blue-purple oral arms hang below. The tentacles are short and frilly.
  • SizeBell diameter up to 40 cm.
  • Social HabitCan be solitary or in small groups. Drifts with currents in coastal waters. Small crabs and juvenile fish often live among its oral arms for protection.
  • HabitatOpen water (pelagic) in coastal areas, bays, and harbours. Most common in late summer and autumn.
  • Depth0 to 20 m. Found in the upper water column.
  • Feeds OnOther jellyfish (particularly Pelagia noctiluca), plankton, and small organic particles.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Seasonally common in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionCotylorhiza tuberculata is one of the most charming jellyfish in the Mediterranean. Its sting is so mild that it is essentially harmless to humans, and small fish and crabs shelter among its arms. It is often seen drifting in harbours and bays during late summer. Unlike some jellyfish species that can form problematic blooms, the fried-egg jellyfish is generally welcomed by swimmers and snorkellers.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Fried Egg Jellyfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on zooplankton, small fish and other jellyfish, using short, club-shaped oral arms to capture prey. Often hosts juvenile fish among its tentacles, which may steal captured food.

Plankton feeder

Reproduction

Reproduces sexually with separate male and female medusae releasing gametes into the water. Planula larvae settle as polyps that strobilate to produce young medusae in warmer months.

Seasonal spawning

Behaviour & Defence

Its sting is very mild and nearly imperceptible to humans. The bell's large size, up to 40 cm across, and gelatinous bulk make it unappealing to most predators except leatherback turtles.

Mild sting

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Cotylorhiza tuberculata. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide