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Jellyfish

Multidisciplinary research on jellyfish of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, from life cycle and reproduction to potential applications.

OngoingJellyfish

We conduct multidisciplinary research on jellyfish from the Mediterranean and Red Seas, spanning their life cycle and reproduction to the exploration of potential applications.

Our work includes studies of jellyfish mucus, stinging cells, and associated parasites, alongside continuous collaboration with the public through citizen reports of jellyfish observations.

Illustration of a moon jellyfish drifting in deep blue water
Illustration of a moon jellyfish drifting in deep blue water

Rhopilema nomadica life cycle

A complex life cycle connects the free-swimming medusa with small, substrate-attached stages. Documenting these stages supports research into reproduction, development and bloom formation.

Scientific drawings of Rhopilema nomadica life-cycle stages arranged clockwise
Rhopilema nomadica life cycle (clockwise). Drawing by Rahel Wachs.Kuplik et al. (2024)(opens in a new tab)

Nematocysts

Nematocysts are microscopic stinging capsules housed within the specialized cells of jellyfish. Microscopy allows us to examine their form, distribution and organization within the tissue.

Micrograph of a dense cluster of nematocyst capsules within jellyfish tissue
Nematocyst capsules organized within the tissue.
Magnified micrograph showing round and oval nematocyst capsules
A closer view of capsule diversity in the microscopic field.

Collecting jellyfish mucus

Mucus released by jellyfish is collected under controlled field conditions and transferred into sample containers for laboratory work. The collection process preserves sample traceability while keeping the material connected to the biological and environmental conditions in which it was produced.

These samples support investigation of the biological properties of jellyfish mucus and the exploration of potential applications.

A gloved researcher collecting jellyfish mucus into sample containers during fieldwork on a boat
Collection and initial handling of jellyfish mucus samples in the field.

Focus areas

  • Life cycle, reproduction and polyp ecology
  • Jellyfish mucus and its properties
  • Stinging cells (nematocysts)
  • Parasites associated with jellyfish
  • Public reporting of jellyfish observations

More projects

TRANSEATIONHybrid blue-grey marine and coastal infrastructures, combining nature-based solutions with ecosystem-based management.Jellyfish Inc.Researchers and citizens working together to monitor, report and forecast jellyfish swarms along the Israeli coast.Citizen SciencePublic jellyfish reports, educational outreach and research that connects marine science with communities.MicroplasticsIntegrated research on the identification, distribution and removal of microplastics from the environment and wastewater.PlanktonPlankton sampling, quantitative microscopy and automated imaging during marine research cruises.Carbon SequestrationA nature-based pathway for long-term carbon storage in the oxygen-free depths of the Black Sea.