Rare Box Jellyfish Spotted in Eilat Bay Waters, Israel's Nature Authority Reports

A rare box jellyfish species, Alatina grandis, has been identified in the waters of Eilat Bay, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority on Wednesday morning. The authority emphasized that this sighting involves only a few individual jellyfish and is an isolated event. This species is uncommon in the region and typically appears following changes in sea currents and winds. Although its sting can be painful, it is not as lethal as the notorious Australian box jellyfish species, and there is no reason to avoid swimming, only to remain cautious.

The identification was confirmed by Dr. Tzafrir Koplik and Prof. Tamar Gi-A-Chaim through DNA tests and unique morphological features, including the jellyfish's square bell shape and tentacles. Dr. Asaf Zabuloni, an ecologist at the Nature and Parks Authority, clarified that the chance of encountering this jellyfish in the sea is very low and reassured the public that there is no cause for panic.

The Nature and Parks Authority explained that marine animals may shift their distribution due to climate changes and alterations in currents and winds, which likely explains this rare appearance in Eilat Bay. The bay is known for its rich and diverse ecology, making encounters with marine life a natural part of visiting the area. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from any jellyfish or potentially dangerous marine creatures, avoid contact, move other swimmers away, and report sightings to the authority's hotline.

One specimen was collected and sent to research laboratories for further scientific analysis to better understand the species' distribution and contribute to knowledge about Eilat Bay's unique marine environment.