Species profile · Last reviewed 22 August 2026
Carybdea marsupialis is a Mediterranean box jellyfish with one tentacle at each corner of its clear bell. It can be locally abundant near shore and cause painful stings, but its identity was historically stretched across records that later proved to belong to different species.
Identification
The bell is taller than wide and carries four pedalia, each with a single tentacle. Specialists examine stomach filaments, pedalial canals, velarial canals and juvenile stages. Those details separate the Mediterranean species from Caribbean animals now recognized as Carybdea xaymacana.
Where it is verified
Current taxonomic work supports C. marsupialis in the European Mediterranean, including the Adriatic. Older “worldwide” records can reflect outdated synonymy rather than a true global distribution.
Ecology near people
Adults may occur in shallow coastal water where swimming and fishing take place. Local abundance changes with place and season. Monitoring at a named beach is more useful than a broad regional generalization.
Sting context
Contact is painful and can produce skin inflammation. Severe reactions require urgent medical care, but this species should not be presented as medically identical to Chironex fleckeri. Follow the Mediterranean country’s health and rescue guidance.
A changing Mediterranean inventory
For years, C. marsupialis was treated as the only cubozoan confirmed in the western Mediterranean. The description of Copula lucentia from Spain in 2024 showed that even well-visited coasts can hold overlooked box jellyfish diversity.
Sources
Review and corrections
See an error or outdated source? Read our corrections process. Safety information is educational and does not replace local emergency services or clinical advice.
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