Lion's mane jellyfish pose risks across European coasts

The most common jellyfish in the Baltic and North Seas is the moon jelly (Aurelia aurita), which usually causes only mild skin irritation. In contrast, the lion's‑mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata), also called the fire jelly, has long tentacles that can inflict painful stings. It is frequent in the North Sea and is seen off the coasts of Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and the offshore islands of the Frisian region, and occasionally along the Atlantic coasts.

The species also appears around the Mediterranean shoreline of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey. Other Mediterranean jellyfish that can sting swimmers include the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca), the compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella) and the large but less harmful lung jelly (Rhizostoma pulmo). Stings from the fire jelly and mauve stinger may cause burning sensations, redness, welts and persistent itching, with stronger reactions in sensitive individuals.