Description: The overall body shape resembles an elongated thimble, flattened at one end (the oral end). This comb jelly can reach a height of up to 15 cm but is often encountered in a range of sizes. There are eight longitudinal combs which extend about ¾ of the body length, and do not reach down as far as the oral opening. These combs are made up of cilia that allow comb jellies to swim, and also give them a characteristic shimmering/rainbow effect. They are almost completely transparent, although mature individuals can reportedly have a pink hue.

Habitat: Most commonly seen in the summer months (May-September) floating in the water column down to around 10 m, although can be found in various depths at various times of the year.

Distribution: Recorded from all coasts around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: There are no other similar looking comb jellies in our waters.

Key Identification Features:

• Body shape resembling an elongated thimble.
• Reaches size of 15 cm.
• Eight longitudinal combs made up of cilia that give distinctive shimmer.

Distribution Map from NBN: Beroe cucumis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Beroe cucumis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Beroe cucumis at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Beroe cucumis Fabricius, 1780. AphiaID: 106358.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Ctenophora; Nuda; Beroida; Beroidae; Beroe