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Are there jellyfish in Norwegian waters?

Which jellyfish sting, where they are found and how to treat a sting.

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Short answer

Yes, two species of stinging jellyfish live in Norwegian waters, and the red lion's mane jellyfish is common along the whole coast and in the fjords in summer. If you are stung, rinse with seawater, remove any tentacles and do not rub. Then put the skin in water as hot as you can tolerate, about 40–45 °C, for 10–20 minutes.

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Why

  1. The Institute of Marine Research says Norway has two species of stinging jellyfish: the red lion's mane (Cyanea capillata), which is the most common, and the slightly rarer blue jellyfish (Cyanea lamarckii).
  2. According to the Institute of Marine Research, the red lion's mane is found along the whole Norwegian coast, while the blue jellyfish is most common along the coast of southern Norway.
  3. Giftinformasjonen at Helsenorge says that 10–20 minutes in water at about 40–45 °C is often enough, and that the first rinse should be with seawater, not fresh water.

Details

The red lion's mane can grow up to two metres in diameter, and jellyfish often gather behind headlands, in bays and in harbours. If the eyes are affected, rinse them with water for 5 minutes; in most cases the irritation settles within 48 hours. Contact a doctor if you have symptoms beyond a local reaction, pain that does not go away, signs of an allergic reaction, or if a small child is stung over a large part of the body.

Tip

If you are stung, rinse the skin with seawater on the spot and avoid rubbing it, since rubbing can release more venom from tentacles left on the skin.

Common misconception

All jellyfish in Norway sting.

What actually happens

The moon jellyfish, the common one with four clear rings on top, does not sting people. The ones to avoid are the red and the blue lion's mane.

People also ask

  • Are there stinging jellyfish in Norwegian waters?
  • Are there jellyfish in the Norwegian fjords?

Sources

This answer is for reference only and does not replace medical advice. For advice, call the Poison Information Centre on 22 59 13 00.

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