Freshwater jellyfish in Washington?
- Thread starter knifegill
- Start date
Im pretty sure you need a circular tank to keep jellyfish at least the Saltwater species you do
Your best bet is to contact an aquatic biologist with a local university or fish and game agency. The appearance of the medusae is seasonal and sporadic (they may not be seen at a particular locality for years at a time), and the polyps are tiny and sparse, and so would be very difficult to collect deliberately.
Found this on a Jellyfish website:
1. Avoid any sharp edges or screens that might damage the jelly bell.
2. you must have constant water motion to keep them from settling on the bottom of the tank.
3. your filtration must be good but you cant have any heavy current from the drain or return
1. Avoid any sharp edges or screens that might damage the jelly bell.
2. you must have constant water motion to keep them from settling on the bottom of the tank.
3. your filtration must be good but you cant have any heavy current from the drain or return
gl on finding them. if u do let me know. these guys are nearly impossible to find. they are spotted then wont be seen at a location for years afterwords.
From the Department of Ecology of the State of Washington:
This is a close-up picture of a Secchi disk, but more interesting is the nickel-sized, whitish-transparent blob. The blob is one of the freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi) that were seen in Lake Thomas (Stevens County) a few years ago. These creatures are quite rare. They hide out for years in a different form in the sediments of a few lakes and reservoirs, only occasionally producing the small but classic jellyfish form (barely) seen here.
This is a close-up picture of a Secchi disk, but more interesting is the nickel-sized, whitish-transparent blob. The blob is one of the freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi) that were seen in Lake Thomas (Stevens County) a few years ago. These creatures are quite rare. They hide out for years in a different form in the sediments of a few lakes and reservoirs, only occasionally producing the small but classic jellyfish form (barely) seen here.
From the USGS website:
Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester, 1880
Common Name: freshwater jellyfish
Synonyms and Other Names: peach blossom fish (China)
Taxonomy: available through ITIShttp://sis.agr.gc.ca/pls/itisca/taxastep?king=every&p_action=containing&taxa=Craspedacusta sowerbyi
Identification: Craspedacusta sowerbyi is a Hydrozoan (Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa), which is most easily identified when it takes the form of a small, bell-shaped jellyfish, known as a hydromedusa. The hydromedusa measures about 5-25 mm in diameter, and is translucent with a whitish or greenish tinge (Peard, 2002; Pennak, 1989). It possesses five opaque-white canals, which form the gastrovascular cavity; four are radial and one is medially dorsoventral. Tentacles of varying lengths protrude from the upper margin of the velum, arranged with three to seven short tentacles between longer ones (Pennak, 1989; Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). Freshwater jellyfish exhibit four very long tentacles, each parallel to a radial canal at the edge of the velum. Shorter tentacles facilitate feeding, while the longer ones give stability for swimming. The total number of tentacles varies from 50 to 500 (Pennak, 1989). Conspicuous swarms of hydromedusae appear sporadically, but are only one part of the animal's life cycle. Craspedacusta sowerbyi more often exist as microscopic podocysts (dormant "resting bodies"), frustules (larvae produced asexually by budding), planulae (larvae produced sexually by the hydromedusae), or as sessile polyps, which attach to stable surfaces and can form colonies consisting of two to four individuals and measuring 5 to 8 mm (Angradi, 1998; Acker and Muscat, 1976; Pennak, 1989; Peard, 2002).
Size: hydromedusa is 5-25 mm in diameter
Native Range: Craspedacusta sowerbyi is indigenous to the Yangtze River valley in China, where it can be found in both the upper and lower river valley (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991).
Nonindigenous Occurrences: Craspedacusta sowerbyi was first described from specimens collected in 1880, from water-lily tanks in Regents Park, London. Competing descriptions were published simultaneously by Lankester and by Allman, who called the species Limnocodium victori (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). Polyps discovered in Philadelphia were initially described as a separate species, but were later determined to be a form of C. sowerbyi (Boulenger and Flower, 1928).
Excluding the colder states of Alaska, Montana, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming, freshwater jellyfish have been recorded throughout the United States (Deacon and Haskell, 1967; DeVries, 1992; Eldredge, 1994; Peard, 2002). They are most common in the eastern temperate states (DeVries, 1992).
Freshwater jellyfish are now common in temperate climates almost globally, occurring frequently in North and South America, Eurasia and Australia (Acker and Muscat, 1976; Pennak, 1989). Although they have been recorded in tropical locations, including the Hawaiian island of Maui, the states of Nuevo Leon and Sinaloa, Mexico and the Natal Midlands, South Africa, their extent and status in tropical climates is not well known (Edmondson, 1940; Guajardo et al., 1987; Rayner, 1988; Eldredge, personal communication, 2002, Moreno-Leon, personal communication, 2007).
Great Lakes Region: C. sowerbyi was discovered in the Huron River near Ann Arbor, MI, in 1933, and in Lake Erie shortly thereafter (Mills et al., 1993). It has since been recorded in Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair, as well as dozens of inland lakes and streams throughout the region, in the states of IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, and WI. In Canada, freshwater jellyfish have been known in Quebec since 1955 and in Ontario since 1980 (Peard, 2002).
Ecology: Craspedacusta sowerbyi occupies a range of freshwater habitats. In its native range, it typically inhabits shallow pools along the Yangtze River, sometimes coexisting with a related species, Craspedacusta sinensis, which occurs in the upper river valley (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). In this environment, changing conditions in the main river system expose jellyfish to fluctuating water levels, temperatures and plankton populations. Where it is introduced, C. sowerbyi is most commonly found in shallow, slow moving or stagnant artificial water bodies such as ornamental ponds, reservoirs, gravel pits, and quarries (Pennak, 1956; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2002). It has also been reported in large river systems, including the Allegheny, Ohio and Tennessee River systems, natural lakes, aquaria, and ornamental ponds (Beckett and Turanchik, 1980; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2002).
Craspedacusta sowerbyi is able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. Mature hydromedusae reproduce sexually by broadcasting gametes into the water. Fertilized eggs grow into ciliated planulae (larvae), which then settle and metamorphose into the polyp form. Polyps are capable of budding to produce hydromedusae, as well as either daughter polyps that remain attached to the parent, forming a colony, or frustule larvae which move to new locations before metamorphosing into new polyps (Pennak, 1989; Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991; Peard, 2002).
Hydromedusae are produced only sporadically, and a given location may go several years between blooms (Peard, 2002). Blooms are thought to be temperature dependent, requiring water of at least 25° C, and are most common in summer and fall (Kato and Hirabayashi, 1991; Dodson and Cooper, 1983; Anonymous, 1997; McGaffin, 1997; Peard, 2002). Other factors that may affect hydromedusa blooms include zooplankton populations, alkalinity, and calcium carbonate (Acker and Muscat, 1976; Koryak and Clancy, 1981; McCullough et al., 1981; Angradi, 1998). The more cold tolerant polyp form may have a wider distribution than the hydromedusa form, but because it is inconspicuous and easily overlooked, its range is difficult to determine (Kato and Hirabayashi, 1991; Angradi, 1998). Polyps overwinter by contracting into resting bodies called podocysts, which are essentially dormant cellular balls surrounded by a protective chitin-like membrane that allows them to withstand more extreme conditions than the active forms (Peard, 2002). When conditions are favorable, the podocysts grow into polyps again.
Like other cnidarians, C. sowerbyi is an opportunistic predator, feeding on small organisms that come within its reach. Both polyp and hydromedusa forms use nematocysts (stingers) to capture prey. Polyps are able to camouflage themselves by secreting a sticky mucous that adheres particles to their body (Pennak, 1989; Peard, 2002).
Means of Introduction: Initially, C. sowerbyi was probably transported with ornamental aquatic plants, especially water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), from its native region in China (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). An introduction at Fena Lake, Guam may have accompanied introduction of tilapia following dam construction in 1952. The first sightings of C. sowerbyi at Fena Lake were in 1970 (Belk and Hotaling, 1971). In the United States, polyps and resting bodies are probably translocated accidentally with stocked fish and aquatic plants or by waterfowl (Angradi, 1998; Wynett and Wynett, pers. comm. 1998). Pennak (1956) noted that new reservoirs and ponds (less than 40 years) exhibited the majority of hydromedusa blooms known at that time.
Status: Craspedacusta sowerbyi is apparently established throughout most of the United States. Since the first record in 1880, it has been recorded in 44 states and the District of Columbia (Pennak, 1989; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2002). In Colorado, only two populations have been reported, so the species may not be established there (Pennak, 1956; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2009). The presence of C. sowerbyi in Maui, Hawaii was confirmed in 1938, however its status in Hawaii is unknown. There have been no documented observations of C. sowerbyi in Hawaii for at least 15 years (Edmondson, 1940; Eldredge, personal communication 2002).
Impact of Introduction: The impact of this widespread jellyfish is unclear. Dodson and Cooper (1983) proposed Craspedacusta sowerbyi's preference for predatory zooplankton, such as the rotifer Asplanchna, could influence relative zooplankton species structure. Spadinger and Maier (1999) agreed with theorized affects on zooplankton communities finding that C. sowerbyi hydromedusae prefer larger zooplankton (0.4-1.4mm) and vigorous prey such as copepods. Under laboratory conditions and in 4 mm of water, C. sowerbyi polyps apparently killed and fed on striped bass larvae (Dendy, 1978). Dumont (1994) speculated that C. sowerbyi may consume fish eggs, but Spadinger and Maier (1999) note that it is generally not considered an important predator of eggs or small fish . Crayfish are considered the only important predator of the hydromedusa phase (Pennak, 1989; Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991).
Remarks: Freshwater jellyfish are not considered dangerous to humans. Although their stings can paralyze macroinvertebrates and small fish, their small nematocysts are not likely to penetrate human skin (Peard, 2002).
Populations of C. sowerbyi are frequently all male or all female, making sexual reproduction rare (Pennak, 1989).
Pennak (1989) gives several useful line drawing of C. sowerbyi. For an illustrated description of the lifecycle, see Thorp and Covich (1991), or visit Sexual Reproduction in Freshwater Jellyfish (Sasaki, 1999) or www. jellyfish.iup.edu/images/cycle.jpg (Peard, 2009).
References
Angradi, T. R. 1998.Observations of freshwater jellyfish, Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester (Trachylina: Petasidae), in a West Virginia Reservoir. Brimleyana: The Journal of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences 25: 35-42.
Anonymous. 1997. Freshwater jellyfish discovered in Idaho by Girl Scouts. Idaho Statesman. http://www.garf.org/freshjelly/html
Acker, T. S. and A. M. Muscat. 1976. The ecology of Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester, a freshwater hydrozoan. American Midland Naturalist 95: 323-336.
Beckett, D. C. and E. J. Turanchik. 1980. Occurrence of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester in the Ohio River. Ohio Journal of Science 32: 323-324.
Belk, D. and D. Hotaling. 1971. Guam record of the freshwater medusa Craspedacusta sowerbyi. Micronesia 7: 229-230.
Boulenger, C. L. and Flower, W. U. 1928. The Regents Park medusa Craspedacusta sowerbyi and its identity with C. (Microhydra) ryderi. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 66: 1005-1015.
Deacon, J. E. and W. L. Haskell. 1967. Observations on the ecology of the freshwater jellyfish in Lake Mead, Nevada. American Midland Naturalist 78(1): 155-166.
Dendy, J. S. 1978. Polyps of Craspedacusta sowerbyi as predators on young striped bass. Progressive Fish Culturist 40(1): 5-6.
DeVries, D. R. 1992. The freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbyi: a summary of its life history, ecology and distribution. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 7: 7-16.
Dodson, S. I. and S. D. Cooper. 1983. Trophic relationships of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowebyi Lankester 1880. Limnology and Oceanography 28(2): 345-351.
Dumont, H. J. 1994. The distribution and ecology of the fresh- and brackish-water medusae of the world. Hydrobiologia 272: 1-12.
Edmondson, C. H. 1940. Fresh-water jellyfish in Hawaii. Science 91(2361): 313-314.
Eldredge, L. G. 1994. Perspectives in Aquatic Exotic Species Management in the South Pacific Islands. Vol. I. Introductions of commercially significant aquatic organisms to the Pacific Islands. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia. 127 pp.
Eldredge, L. G. 2002. Personal communication. Invertebrate Zoologist, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96817.
Guajaro, M. G., H. V. Sanchez, Y. Salvador-Contreras. 1987. The first records of Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester for Nuevo Leon, NE of Mexico, and Cordylophora lacustria Allman for fresh water in Mexico. Collected at Presa Rodrigo Gomerza and Rio San Juan repectively. Publicaciones Biologica Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon 2(2): 51-54.
Koryak, M. and P. J. Clancy. 1981. Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester (Hydrozoa) medusoid generation in two western Pennsylvania impoundments. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 55: 43-44.
Kato, K. I. and S. Hirabayashi. 1991. Temperature condition initiating medusa bud formation and the mode of appearance in a freshwater hydroid, Craspedacusta sowerbyi. Zoological Science, Tokyo 8(6): 1107.
McCullough, J. D., M. F. Taylor, and J. L. Jones. 1981. The occurrence of the freshwater medusa Craspedacusta sowerbyi in Nacogdoches Reservoir, Texas and associated physical-chemical conditions. Texas Journal of Science 33: 17-23.
McGaffin, P. 1997. Freshwater jellyfish found in lake. HeraldNet Local News.
Mills, E. L., J. H. Leach, J. T. Carlton, C. L. Secor. 1993. Exotic species in the Great Lakes: a history of biotic crises and anthropogenic introductions. Journal of Great Lakes Research 19(1): 1-54.
Moreno-Leon, M. A. 2007. Personal communication. Director General, Bufete Ambiental y de Negocios Del Noroeste SC.
Payne, F. 1924. A study of the freshwater medusae, Craspedacusta ryderi. Journal of Morphology 38: 397-430.
Peard, T. 2002. Freshwater Jellyfish! Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 25 pp. http://www.jellyfish.iup.edu/
Pennak, R. W. 1956. The fresh-water jellyfish Craspedacusta in Colorado with some remarks on its ecology and morphological degeneration. Transactions of the American Microscopical Society 75: 324-331.
Pennak, R. W. 1989. Coelentera. In: Fresh-water Invertebrates of the United States: Protozoa to Mollusca, 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp. 110-127.
Rayner, N. A. 1988. First record of Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester (Cnidaria: Limnomedusae) from Africa. Hydrobiologia 162(1): 73-78.
Sasaki, G. 1999. Sexual reproduction in freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi). Micscape Magazine, online at Microscopy-UK. http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag...croscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artdec99/fwjelly2.html
Slobodkin, L. B. and P. E. Bossert. 1991. The Freshwater Cnidaria or Coelenterates. In: Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates. J. H. Thorp and A. P. Covich, eds. Academic Press, San Diego, pp. 135-136.
Spadinger, R. and G. Maier. 1999. Prey selection and diel feeding of the freshwater jellyfish, Craspedacusta sowerbyi. Freshwater Biology 41: 567-573.
Thorp, J. H. and A.P. Covich, eds. 1991. Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates. Academic Press, San Diego. 911 p.
Wynett, C. and D. Wynett. 1998. Personal communication. Land owner, Switerland County, IN.
Other Resources: Animal Diversity Web: Craspedacusta sowerbyi
Freshwater Jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi)
freshwaterjellyfish.org
Freshwater Jellyfish in Wisconsin: Their Biology and Spread (pdf)
Biolib Taxon Profile (many images)
Great Lakes Indian Fish And Wildlife Commission Maps
NOBANIS Invasive Alien Species Factsheet (pdf)
Author: Liz McKercher, Danny O'Connell, Pam Fuller, and Jim Liebig
Contributing Agencies:
NOAA - GLERL
Revision Date: 5/14/2009
Citation for this information:
Liz McKercher, Danny O'Connell, Pam Fuller, and Jim Liebig. 2009. Craspedacusta sowerbyi. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.
Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester, 1880
Common Name: freshwater jellyfish
Synonyms and Other Names: peach blossom fish (China)
Taxonomy: available through ITIShttp://sis.agr.gc.ca/pls/itisca/taxastep?king=every&p_action=containing&taxa=Craspedacusta sowerbyi
Identification: Craspedacusta sowerbyi is a Hydrozoan (Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa), which is most easily identified when it takes the form of a small, bell-shaped jellyfish, known as a hydromedusa. The hydromedusa measures about 5-25 mm in diameter, and is translucent with a whitish or greenish tinge (Peard, 2002; Pennak, 1989). It possesses five opaque-white canals, which form the gastrovascular cavity; four are radial and one is medially dorsoventral. Tentacles of varying lengths protrude from the upper margin of the velum, arranged with three to seven short tentacles between longer ones (Pennak, 1989; Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). Freshwater jellyfish exhibit four very long tentacles, each parallel to a radial canal at the edge of the velum. Shorter tentacles facilitate feeding, while the longer ones give stability for swimming. The total number of tentacles varies from 50 to 500 (Pennak, 1989). Conspicuous swarms of hydromedusae appear sporadically, but are only one part of the animal's life cycle. Craspedacusta sowerbyi more often exist as microscopic podocysts (dormant "resting bodies"), frustules (larvae produced asexually by budding), planulae (larvae produced sexually by the hydromedusae), or as sessile polyps, which attach to stable surfaces and can form colonies consisting of two to four individuals and measuring 5 to 8 mm (Angradi, 1998; Acker and Muscat, 1976; Pennak, 1989; Peard, 2002).
Size: hydromedusa is 5-25 mm in diameter
Native Range: Craspedacusta sowerbyi is indigenous to the Yangtze River valley in China, where it can be found in both the upper and lower river valley (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991).
Nonindigenous Occurrences: Craspedacusta sowerbyi was first described from specimens collected in 1880, from water-lily tanks in Regents Park, London. Competing descriptions were published simultaneously by Lankester and by Allman, who called the species Limnocodium victori (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). Polyps discovered in Philadelphia were initially described as a separate species, but were later determined to be a form of C. sowerbyi (Boulenger and Flower, 1928).
Excluding the colder states of Alaska, Montana, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming, freshwater jellyfish have been recorded throughout the United States (Deacon and Haskell, 1967; DeVries, 1992; Eldredge, 1994; Peard, 2002). They are most common in the eastern temperate states (DeVries, 1992).
Freshwater jellyfish are now common in temperate climates almost globally, occurring frequently in North and South America, Eurasia and Australia (Acker and Muscat, 1976; Pennak, 1989). Although they have been recorded in tropical locations, including the Hawaiian island of Maui, the states of Nuevo Leon and Sinaloa, Mexico and the Natal Midlands, South Africa, their extent and status in tropical climates is not well known (Edmondson, 1940; Guajardo et al., 1987; Rayner, 1988; Eldredge, personal communication, 2002, Moreno-Leon, personal communication, 2007).
Great Lakes Region: C. sowerbyi was discovered in the Huron River near Ann Arbor, MI, in 1933, and in Lake Erie shortly thereafter (Mills et al., 1993). It has since been recorded in Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair, as well as dozens of inland lakes and streams throughout the region, in the states of IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, and WI. In Canada, freshwater jellyfish have been known in Quebec since 1955 and in Ontario since 1980 (Peard, 2002).
Ecology: Craspedacusta sowerbyi occupies a range of freshwater habitats. In its native range, it typically inhabits shallow pools along the Yangtze River, sometimes coexisting with a related species, Craspedacusta sinensis, which occurs in the upper river valley (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). In this environment, changing conditions in the main river system expose jellyfish to fluctuating water levels, temperatures and plankton populations. Where it is introduced, C. sowerbyi is most commonly found in shallow, slow moving or stagnant artificial water bodies such as ornamental ponds, reservoirs, gravel pits, and quarries (Pennak, 1956; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2002). It has also been reported in large river systems, including the Allegheny, Ohio and Tennessee River systems, natural lakes, aquaria, and ornamental ponds (Beckett and Turanchik, 1980; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2002).
Craspedacusta sowerbyi is able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. Mature hydromedusae reproduce sexually by broadcasting gametes into the water. Fertilized eggs grow into ciliated planulae (larvae), which then settle and metamorphose into the polyp form. Polyps are capable of budding to produce hydromedusae, as well as either daughter polyps that remain attached to the parent, forming a colony, or frustule larvae which move to new locations before metamorphosing into new polyps (Pennak, 1989; Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991; Peard, 2002).
Hydromedusae are produced only sporadically, and a given location may go several years between blooms (Peard, 2002). Blooms are thought to be temperature dependent, requiring water of at least 25° C, and are most common in summer and fall (Kato and Hirabayashi, 1991; Dodson and Cooper, 1983; Anonymous, 1997; McGaffin, 1997; Peard, 2002). Other factors that may affect hydromedusa blooms include zooplankton populations, alkalinity, and calcium carbonate (Acker and Muscat, 1976; Koryak and Clancy, 1981; McCullough et al., 1981; Angradi, 1998). The more cold tolerant polyp form may have a wider distribution than the hydromedusa form, but because it is inconspicuous and easily overlooked, its range is difficult to determine (Kato and Hirabayashi, 1991; Angradi, 1998). Polyps overwinter by contracting into resting bodies called podocysts, which are essentially dormant cellular balls surrounded by a protective chitin-like membrane that allows them to withstand more extreme conditions than the active forms (Peard, 2002). When conditions are favorable, the podocysts grow into polyps again.
Like other cnidarians, C. sowerbyi is an opportunistic predator, feeding on small organisms that come within its reach. Both polyp and hydromedusa forms use nematocysts (stingers) to capture prey. Polyps are able to camouflage themselves by secreting a sticky mucous that adheres particles to their body (Pennak, 1989; Peard, 2002).
Means of Introduction: Initially, C. sowerbyi was probably transported with ornamental aquatic plants, especially water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), from its native region in China (Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991). An introduction at Fena Lake, Guam may have accompanied introduction of tilapia following dam construction in 1952. The first sightings of C. sowerbyi at Fena Lake were in 1970 (Belk and Hotaling, 1971). In the United States, polyps and resting bodies are probably translocated accidentally with stocked fish and aquatic plants or by waterfowl (Angradi, 1998; Wynett and Wynett, pers. comm. 1998). Pennak (1956) noted that new reservoirs and ponds (less than 40 years) exhibited the majority of hydromedusa blooms known at that time.
Status: Craspedacusta sowerbyi is apparently established throughout most of the United States. Since the first record in 1880, it has been recorded in 44 states and the District of Columbia (Pennak, 1989; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2002). In Colorado, only two populations have been reported, so the species may not be established there (Pennak, 1956; DeVries, 1992; Peard, 2009). The presence of C. sowerbyi in Maui, Hawaii was confirmed in 1938, however its status in Hawaii is unknown. There have been no documented observations of C. sowerbyi in Hawaii for at least 15 years (Edmondson, 1940; Eldredge, personal communication 2002).
Impact of Introduction: The impact of this widespread jellyfish is unclear. Dodson and Cooper (1983) proposed Craspedacusta sowerbyi's preference for predatory zooplankton, such as the rotifer Asplanchna, could influence relative zooplankton species structure. Spadinger and Maier (1999) agreed with theorized affects on zooplankton communities finding that C. sowerbyi hydromedusae prefer larger zooplankton (0.4-1.4mm) and vigorous prey such as copepods. Under laboratory conditions and in 4 mm of water, C. sowerbyi polyps apparently killed and fed on striped bass larvae (Dendy, 1978). Dumont (1994) speculated that C. sowerbyi may consume fish eggs, but Spadinger and Maier (1999) note that it is generally not considered an important predator of eggs or small fish . Crayfish are considered the only important predator of the hydromedusa phase (Pennak, 1989; Slobodkin and Bossert, 1991).
Remarks: Freshwater jellyfish are not considered dangerous to humans. Although their stings can paralyze macroinvertebrates and small fish, their small nematocysts are not likely to penetrate human skin (Peard, 2002).
Populations of C. sowerbyi are frequently all male or all female, making sexual reproduction rare (Pennak, 1989).
Pennak (1989) gives several useful line drawing of C. sowerbyi. For an illustrated description of the lifecycle, see Thorp and Covich (1991), or visit Sexual Reproduction in Freshwater Jellyfish (Sasaki, 1999) or www. jellyfish.iup.edu/images/cycle.jpg (Peard, 2009).
References
Angradi, T. R. 1998.Observations of freshwater jellyfish, Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester (Trachylina: Petasidae), in a West Virginia Reservoir. Brimleyana: The Journal of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences 25: 35-42.
Anonymous. 1997. Freshwater jellyfish discovered in Idaho by Girl Scouts. Idaho Statesman. http://www.garf.org/freshjelly/html
Acker, T. S. and A. M. Muscat. 1976. The ecology of Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester, a freshwater hydrozoan. American Midland Naturalist 95: 323-336.
Beckett, D. C. and E. J. Turanchik. 1980. Occurrence of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester in the Ohio River. Ohio Journal of Science 32: 323-324.
Belk, D. and D. Hotaling. 1971. Guam record of the freshwater medusa Craspedacusta sowerbyi. Micronesia 7: 229-230.
Boulenger, C. L. and Flower, W. U. 1928. The Regents Park medusa Craspedacusta sowerbyi and its identity with C. (Microhydra) ryderi. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 66: 1005-1015.
Deacon, J. E. and W. L. Haskell. 1967. Observations on the ecology of the freshwater jellyfish in Lake Mead, Nevada. American Midland Naturalist 78(1): 155-166.
Dendy, J. S. 1978. Polyps of Craspedacusta sowerbyi as predators on young striped bass. Progressive Fish Culturist 40(1): 5-6.
DeVries, D. R. 1992. The freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbyi: a summary of its life history, ecology and distribution. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 7: 7-16.
Dodson, S. I. and S. D. Cooper. 1983. Trophic relationships of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowebyi Lankester 1880. Limnology and Oceanography 28(2): 345-351.
Dumont, H. J. 1994. The distribution and ecology of the fresh- and brackish-water medusae of the world. Hydrobiologia 272: 1-12.
Edmondson, C. H. 1940. Fresh-water jellyfish in Hawaii. Science 91(2361): 313-314.
Eldredge, L. G. 1994. Perspectives in Aquatic Exotic Species Management in the South Pacific Islands. Vol. I. Introductions of commercially significant aquatic organisms to the Pacific Islands. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia. 127 pp.
Eldredge, L. G. 2002. Personal communication. Invertebrate Zoologist, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96817.
Guajaro, M. G., H. V. Sanchez, Y. Salvador-Contreras. 1987. The first records of Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester for Nuevo Leon, NE of Mexico, and Cordylophora lacustria Allman for fresh water in Mexico. Collected at Presa Rodrigo Gomerza and Rio San Juan repectively. Publicaciones Biologica Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon 2(2): 51-54.
Koryak, M. and P. J. Clancy. 1981. Craspedacusta sowerbyi Lankester (Hydrozoa) medusoid generation in two western Pennsylvania impoundments. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 55: 43-44.
Kato, K. I. and S. Hirabayashi. 1991. Temperature condition initiating medusa bud formation and the mode of appearance in a freshwater hydroid, Craspedacusta sowerbyi. Zoological Science, Tokyo 8(6): 1107.
McCullough, J. D., M. F. Taylor, and J. L. Jones. 1981. The occurrence of the freshwater medusa Craspedacusta sowerbyi in Nacogdoches Reservoir, Texas and associated physical-chemical conditions. Texas Journal of Science 33: 17-23.
McGaffin, P. 1997. Freshwater jellyfish found in lake. HeraldNet Local News.
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Other Resources: Animal Diversity Web: Craspedacusta sowerbyi
Freshwater Jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi)
freshwaterjellyfish.org
Freshwater Jellyfish in Wisconsin: Their Biology and Spread (pdf)
Biolib Taxon Profile (many images)
Great Lakes Indian Fish And Wildlife Commission Maps
NOBANIS Invasive Alien Species Factsheet (pdf)
Author: Liz McKercher, Danny O'Connell, Pam Fuller, and Jim Liebig
Contributing Agencies:
NOAA - GLERL
Revision Date: 5/14/2009
Citation for this information:
Liz McKercher, Danny O'Connell, Pam Fuller, and Jim Liebig. 2009. Craspedacusta sowerbyi. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.