Stinging
Chrysaora hysoscella
Scyphozoa (Pelagiidae)
Its "compass" name comes from the brown V-shaped patterns drawn on its umbrella, resembling a compass rose. It is a hermaphroditic species: first male, it becomes female as it ages.
Sting symptoms
Very painful sting, often leaves red whip-like marks on the skin.
Identification
Flattened yellowish-white umbrella, adorned with 16 brown bands radiating from the center to the edges. It has 24 fine marginal tentacles and 4 long, folded, voluminous oral arms in its center.
Size
Umbrella: 15 to 30 cm
Habitat
Coastal waters, often visible near the surface.
Scientific family
Scyphozoa (Pelagiidae)