Alan Deidun, a marine biologist, has shared more images on social media of the Velella velella jellyfish, also known as “mini sailing boats,” which have taken over Xlendi and Armier in Malta.

The jellyfish, referred to as “qlugħ” in Maltese due to their sail-like top, appear to form a large, harmless colony of polyps attached to the same raft.

Deidun has previously posted photos of this species overtaking other parts of Malta, including the Gozitan Xatt l-Aħmar and the southern coast.

The Spot the Jellyfish Campaign identification manual contains information on this jellyfish, revealing that it has a mild sting.

It is commonly found in the Mediterranean during the spring season and can form dense clusters extending for kilometers on the sea surface. Specialized floating sea slugs and sea snails are known to enjoy eating them.