UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Mauve stinger

Pelagia noctiluca

Type

Cnidarians, Jellyfish

Description

A small, attractively marked jelly, but possesses a surprisingly powerful sting. Has a deep bell with pink or mauve warts.

Eruptions of huge numbers, in spring or autumn, and can cause real problems for fish farms - collectively the small jellies can kill many hundreds of salmon.

Location

Most common to the very south and west, but Atlantic currents can bring them far to the north.

Habitat

Open ocean