Stalked jellyfish Stauromedusae

Stalked jellyfish have an upward facing umbrella-shaped bell with eight arms. Each of these arms is tipped with stinging tentacles, which they use to catch their prey.

Behaviour

Though largely sessile, they have an adhesive sucker at the bottom of their stalk, which they can detach and move to a more suitable location by cartwheeling!

Size

Across the bell 2.5-3 cm.

Status

Distribution

There are three species that can be found in Scotland, plus a rarer species which has been recorded in the Shetland Isles.

When to see

Facts

Common name

Stalked jellyfish

Species name

Stauromedusae

Where to see in Scotland

You can see them attached to algae or seagrass via their stalk.

Look for them on our North Harris trails!

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